Following voting by athletes from around the world, the top Challenge Family races for 2024 have been revealed with today’s announcement of the Challenge Family Awards winners.
The Challenge Family Awards were originally developed in 2019 to provide recognition to the international team of race directors and the teams behind the scenes for all they do for the sport of triathlon through the delivery of their races. A shortlist is decided based on post-race surveys completed by athletes after each race – with the final placings decided by athlete voting.
“We’re incredibly proud of our race teams around the world and the communities that support them,” said Jort Vlam, Challenge Family CEO.
“While not every race can win at the awards, we recognise the commitment and dedication in each of them. Every race lives by our mantra, ‘All About The Athlete’, and we all look forward to welcoming athletes to another successful Challenge Family season in 2025.”
The winners of the Challenge Family Race Awards 2024 are:
- Race of the Year – Challenge Peguera-Mallorca, Spain – recognised for its course, vibrant atmosphere, organisation and island setting
- Best Race Venue – The Championship, Slovakia – held at the x-bionic sphere in Šamorín. This Olympic training centre has top-end sports facilities, combined with luxury on-site accommodation and amazing bars and restaurants
- Best New Race – Challenge Xiamen, China – with its fully closed course, coastal cycle and running route and scenic backdrop, thousands of athletes voted to support Challenge Family’s newest race
- Best Swim – The Championship, Slovakia – for athletes and spectators alike, a point-to-point-swim in clear canal waters takes this award for the second year in a row
- Best Bike – Challenge Salou, Spain – seen as a course for a personal best, it’s fast and rolling, combining closed highways with palm-tree-lined city roads
- Best Run – Challenge Almere-Amsterdam, The Netherlands – centred around Weerwater in the heart of Almere, the flat run course is a mix of paths, boardwalks, modern architecture and park settings
- Best Finish Line Party – Challenge Peguera-Mallorca, Spain – from the minute the first athlete crosses the line to when the DJ plays his last track at the beachfront after party, this finish line is pumping with atmosphere
- Best Fans – DATEV Challenge Roth, Germany – with over a quarter of a million fans in Roth lining the course and in the finish line stadium, they are known for their passionate support
- Best Pasta Party – Challenge Peguera-Mallorca, Spain – a Pasta Party with a difference, involving the best local restaurants to get a true flavour of some gourmet delights on offer
- Best After Race Food – DATEV Challenge Roth, Germany – a smorgasbord of food to suit varying tastes after 226km of swim, bike and run
- Best Video Content – DATEV Challenge Roth, Germany – from its emotive race videos throughout the year, to regular updates for the athletes, delivered personally by race director, Felix Walchshöfer, there’s plenty to be inspired by
- Most Eco Friendly – Challenge Wānaka, New Zealand – initiatives include waste and recycling stations provided at all aid stations, and perishable rubbish that is given to a worm farm. Athletes carry their own cups (provided free of charge) which they can fill up from water vats at aid stations, and corporate teams get prizes of trees that are planted on the run course
- Most Family Friendly – Challenge Kaiserwinkl-Walchsee, Austria – winning for the second year in a row, with many different races over the weekend, there’s an event for all the family, plus it’s a location for a family holiday with plenty to do pre- and post-race
