Building on its relationship with the European Triathlon Union (ETU), Challenge Family and the European governing body have confirmed the next steps for Challenge Herning in Denmark to host ETU’s official Middle Distance European Championships on 10 June 2017.
The European Championships should draw Europe’s triathlon elite to Herning, and allows for professional and age group athletes to participate and race against each other. The hosting of next year’s event by Challenge Denmark was originally confirmed in June 2016. Although, a formal announcement is now being made, which outlines the expectations for the championships.
“It is unique to have an official European Championship on Danish soil,” said Morten Fenger, Director of the Danish Triathlon Association. “And it is a once in a lifetime opportunity for all Danish triathletes to participate in such a competition on their home turf. We are very proud.”
Fenger has two primary objectives for the European Championships in Herning, adding, “We need to show what our Danish elite can [achieve] on an international scale. And we must ensure that age group athletes get a triathlon experience of a lifetime.”
The European Triathlon Federation’s (ETU) official championship at the middle distance moves from country to country every year. This year it was held in Walchsee, Austria. The team at regional organising team, RaceMakers, and Challenge Denmark are reportedly ‘already working to create an even more spectacular race in Herning.’
Claus Vesterby, Event Director of Challenge Denmark and partner at Challenge Family’s Nordic event team RaceMakers, said “We have arranged some amazing Challenge races the past two years. And for the European Championships we have joined forces with the European Triathlon Union, the Danish Triathlon Federation, Sport Event Denmark and the Municipality of Herning to make the greatest triathlon event ever in Denmark. We don’t know when we’ll see a European Championship on Danish soil again, so we are going to make the most of it.”
The Danish Triathlon Federation CEO Morten Fenger stated the importance of including local triathlon clubs in the event. “They know the athletes and their everyday lives and needs better than anyone,” he said. “So it means a lot to have an organizer who works closely with them and listen to them.”
Zibi Szlufcik, CEO of Challenge Family welcomed the announcement. ”We at Challenge Family are extremely proud and happy to host the 2017 ETU European Middle Distance Championship in the wonderful City of Herning, known as the Sport Capital of Denmark. The incredible venue, experience and talent of the Challenge Herning team, the hospitality of the Danish community and excellent support of the National Federation provide the perfect ingredients for a world-class event.”
The Challenge Herning course is the same for all participants at any level. The swim takes place in Lake Fuglsang. The cycle route travels through the mid-Jutland region on a flat and fast course. And finally the athletes will be running around Herning city centre, where they are ‘guaranteed to be celebrated with lots of music and cheering all the way.’ The finish line is located on the square in Herning city centre, where the celebration continues through the night.
Athletes can register now for 2017 Challenge Herning at with an early bird entry fee of €200.
