With an objective to drive interest amongst the professional triathlete community, Challenge Bahrain has announced its pro field to date and confirmed the start line on 6 December will be one of the most impressive ever seen over the half distance.
Hundreds of age group athletes will race alongside some of the biggest names in triathlon on one of the fastest and most diverse course on the international circuit – high-tech architecture, 5,000 year-old culture, F1 racing and indigenous wildlife all make up the unique 113K course.
The battle for ‘the world’s largest prize purse’ of US$500,000 over the half distance has attracted the best of the best in long distance racing, as well as lured some well-known individuals over from short course racing, making their long distance debut.
No less than nine former and current world champions will line up on the shores of Bahrain Bay on 6 December… Pete Jacobs (AUS), Mirinda Carfrae (AUS), Chris McCormack (AUS), Leanda Cave (GBR), Terenzo Bozzone (NZL), Eneko Llanos (ESP), Julie Dibens (GBR), Catriona Morrisson (GBR) – four Olympic medallists including Jan Frodeno (GER), Bevan Docherty (NZL), Lisa Norden (SWE) – and two Commonwealth Games gold medallists including Brad Kahlefeldt (AUS).
World-class athletes making their long course debut include this year’s Commonwealth Games gold medallist Jodie Stimpson (GBR), current XTERRA World Champion Nicky Samuels (NZL) and Olympic bronze medallist Erin Densham (AUS).
“We are honored to host each and every professional triathlete to the Kingdom of Bahrain to participate in Challenge Bahrain, an event we are holding very dear in our hearts,” said Dr Saqer Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Triathlon Association. “Having such a great line-up will most certainly bring us closer to our goals, to raise awareness of the importance and significance of having sports become an integral part of a person’s life in all global societies.”
“A field of this calibre is going to ensure Challenge Bahrain is one of the most memorable races of the year – and it’s open to everyone!” said Zibi Szlufcik, Challenge Family CEO. “Age groupers will race alongside the greatest and most inspirational athletes in our sport.”
He added, “Triathlon is the only sport on the planet where everyday people like you and me, regardless of ability, can share the course with the world’s best and Challenge Bahrain is the ultimate showcase of what makes this sport great along with its definition of quality leadership and warm welcome to all.”
The Challenge Family series of triathlons features 31 full and half distance races around the world, including the world’s largest long distance triathlon – Challenge Roth in Germany. The birthplace of the Challenge Family, Challenge Roth now features over 5,500 athletes and 220,000 spectators and is home to both world records held by Andreas Raelert (GER) and Chrissie Wellington (GBR).
Since 2002, races throughout Europe, UK, Australasia, Asia, Middle East, North America and South America have joined Roth. Together they aim to provide athletes with a new experience of long distance racing with a strong focus on athlete and spectator experience, giving back to the community while respecting the legacy of sport and being committed to its continued growth.
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