The Challenge Family series of middle and long-distance triathlons has a new home in the United Kingdom with today’s announcement of Challenge Wales, set to take place on 18 June 2022.
The middle-distance race will take place along Pembrokeshire’s coastline in western Wales, with event organiser noting that the course is… ‘already recognised as one of the best in the UK.’
Formerly the award-winning Wales Triathlon, run by multisport event organiser, Activity Wales Events, Challenge Wales will take place in Fishguard with its sheltered Fishguard Bay swim, a hilly bike course and scenic run course with sea views.
The much-anticipated entry of Challenge Family in the UK builds upon a previous partnership with Activity Wales Events and its Long Course Weekend (LCW) event format. Wales-based Activity Wales Events has run the LCW for a number of years and was the original organiser of the inaugural IRONMAN Wales before IRONMAN assumed control of the popular long distance event in the country.
“We are delighted to announce this latest partnership with Challenge Family,” said Matthew Evans, CEO of Activity Wales Events. “The location of the event is incredible, in that the course is picturesque, yet rewarding, and the local community support will welcome and develop a world-class event, like no other in the UK.
“The event will use a local team, local providers and support the local community which has always been our strategy since our inception – something the events industry really needs after two years out of service and what we as Activity Wales Events advocate as standard.
“As a team, we are incredibly proud to bring such a prestigious event to the UK and especially this part of Wales. It is a huge statement of how far triathlon has developed in Wales over the past 10 years.”
Jort Vlam, CEO of Challenge Family said “We could not hope for better partners in Matthew and his team at Activity Wales Events to re-establish Challenge Family in the UK.
“Their strong commitment to athlete and spectator experience, support of the local community and delivery of spectacular events that exceed expectations are all synonymous with Challenge Family’s ethos and commitment to triathlon. We very much look forward to working with them to deliver our first Welsh event and showcase this stunning region to the world.”
Course
The 1.9km swim takes place in Fishguard Bay which is protected by a breakwater on both sides. The two-lap swim enables swimmers to exit the water to crowds before re-entering the water for a second and final lap.
The 90km bike begins with a steady 5km ascent before a fast section all the way to the country’s smallest city, St David’s, with its enthusiastic spectator support. Leaving St David’s there are sea views of the Atlantic Ocean before climbing into Trefin and Mathry and back to St David’s and T2.
The scenic four-lap 21.2km run is along a paved coastal track that includes the town’s breakwater with sea views.
