Challenge Family has today announced that Challenge Bahrain will ‘once again break new ground in the triathlon world as the world’s first half distance night triathlon on 20 November 2015.’
Last year’s Challenge Bahrain event, in December 2014, was sold-out; and the announcement of this year’s Challenge Bahrain event follows hot-on-the-heels of IRONMAN announcing two new IRONMAN 70.3 races in Bahrain and Dubai.
The rival organizers at Challenge Family and IRONMAN are clearly seeing the Middle East as a key strategic target. The importance of Bahrain within the region is further underlined by the recent unveiling of the Bahrain Endurance 13 elite team hand-picked by His Highness Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa and team manager Chris McCormack to include Olympians, world champions and future stars.
Challenge Bahrain 2015 will also double as the grand final of the prestigious Nasser Bin Hamad Triple Crown, which will see athletes such as Daniele Ryf (SUI) and Terenzo Bozzone (NZL), race against the world’s best in a bid to become ‘triathlon’s first instant millionaires’.
With the swim taking place as the sun sets over Bahrain’s skyline, the athletes will complete the bike and run in the dark along a well lit course. This unique format also allows all finishers to enjoy the festive night-time finish line celebrations normally reserved for longer distance races.
“We are delighted to announce Challenge Bahrain 2015 under the direction of new General Manager, Mikel Calahorra,” said Challenge Family CEO, Zibi Szlufcik. “We have no doubt that Challenge Bahrain will again set new standards for triathlon with its exciting night race format and we very much look forward to returning to this spectacular nation.”
Challenge Bahrain is expected to attract the world’s top triathletes to this fast flat course and large prize purse, as well as over 1,000 age group athletes from around the world, keen to experience this unique event. At the inaugural event, the organizers note that ‘Challenge Bahrain athletes experienced unprecedented quality in terms of race packs gifts, unique course, gourmet carbo party and awards dinner and and legendary after-party.’
Entries to Challenge Bahrain will open on Thursday 11 June at an early bird special of US$280 for individual athletes, and later this year the eyes of the triathlon world will once again be on Bahrain as it continues to make triathlon history.
