Challenge Family has entered Central Asia for the first time with the launch of Challenge Samarkand in Uzbekistan. The new middle distance race will take place on September 16-17, 2023, working with the Uzbekistan Triathlon Federation to expand the sport of triathlon in the region.
This latest event from Challenge Family continues a run of new international event launches. The company has in the past couple of months unveiled new events in diverse locations – from Chile to France, Colombia, Ecuador and Turkey.
“We enormously look forward to working closely together with the enthusiastic, passionate and inspiring team of Challenge Samarkand and we are proud of this new race in our portfolio,” said Challenge Family CEO, Jort Vlam.
“Samarkand is one of the oldest cities in the world dating back to the eighth century BC. The tradition in this region is huge and its history is very rich. Obviously, athletes competing in Challenge Samarkand can prepare for an experience they won’t soon forget. From Challenge Family perspective, we think it is exciting to explore areas together that are still unknown to many of us.”
The event’s Managing Director, Yelena Kun said “For more than two millennia, our city was a key point on the Great Silk Road between China and Europe, as well as one of the main centres of science in the medieval east.”
“Athletes will swim a unique course in one of the biggest purpose-built rowing canals in the world; and make sure not to forget to enjoy the ancient sights of the UNESCO World Heritage Area included in the bike course.
“This is the first and only Challenge Family race in Central Asia and athletes from all over the world can enjoy the unique Uzbek culture, delicious food and national monuments. During the race, athletes pass among others a monument to the King of the 14th century, Amir Temur, sitting on his throne, the Registan Ensemble (one of the most famous monuments in Central Asia), the architectural monument of Bibi Khanum (built from 1399-1404) and the ancient market Afrosjab.
“We are ready to welcome all triathletes. Triathlon is a sport for those people who know how to dream and how to believe in themselves.”
Samarkand is the second largest city of Uzbekistan. It is the same age as the cities of Babylon and Rome – with the city previously referred to as the ‘Rome of the East’ and ‘the pearl of the Eastern Muslim World’.
Samarkand is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Unique monuments of ancient architecture, heritage of science and arts, plus artisan workshops are attracting increasing numbers of visitors from around the world.
www.challenge-samarkand.com
www.challenge-family.com
