“We are delighted to present the final Challenge Regensburg course,” race organizer Tom Tajsich has announced after months of planning for the inaugural event in 2016. The result is billed as a spectacular race between the recreation area Guggenberger See, the Bavarian Forest Nature Park and the UNESCO World Heritage City of Regensburg. The highlight of the event will be the finish line on the Cathedral Square in the Old Town of Regensburg.
The 3.8K swim in Lake Guggenberger starts the day for athletes as well as spectators. Four start waves will be sent into the race on 14 August 2016. The swim starts with one loop counter-clockwise. After a little more than half of the distance, a short beach run will give the audience a chance to cheer on the athletes, before another loop clockwise will bring athletes to the swim exit.
Starting from Guggenberger See, the bike course first heads towards Regensburg. With a turn right, athletes will approach the first ascents, but ‘the beautiful landscape of the Bavarian Forest Nature Park will provide distraction during the hilly stretch, as will the cheering of the spectators in the small villages along the route.’
Shortly before the highest point, the organizers add that the ‘Party Mile’ hotspot at Brennberg will help push the athletes up the hill. A fast descent and a long flat section follows, before athletes head back towards Regensburg. Under the imposing Walhalla Temple near Donaustauf they’ll start their second bike lap. Once completed they will finish with a few kilometres along the Danube.
After T2 on Dultplatz, the marathon course awaits the athletes, which involves four loops between the picturesque, bustling streets of the Old Town and the peaceful green of Danube Park.
Crowds are sure to gather on the Dultbrücke, which athletes will pass five times, and this should offer a perfect photo opportunity with the cathedral in the background.
Also one of the most iconic buildings of Regensburg, the historic Stone Bridge, has been added to the course.
The organizing team adds that a successful sporting event doesn’t only depend on crowds of enthusiastic athletes, and spectators. ‘Together’ is the motto the organizers are focusing on, bringing together local authorities, residents, athletes and spectators.
Four-time world champion Chris McCormack and local multiple long distance champion Sonja Tajsich had a close look at the course last week. Both athletes noted, “The course offers a challenge, and is full of scenic highlights. The city of Regensburg and the race are equally compelling, and of great value for Regensburg and the region. Challenge Regensburg will bring triathletes and their families from all around the world under its spell!”
Challenge Regensburg will be accompanied by a full event program: live music, the Regensburg Women’s Run, the children run, finish line fireworks and ‘lots of other surprises’. The event is positioned to offer fun for locals, fans and athletes from around the world.
