The Challenge Family series of long distance triathlons has confirmed its expansion into South Africa, with the launch of Challenge Cape Town, set to take place on 6 November 2011.
Cape Town is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The awesome bulk of Table Mountain, spectacular marine drives that cling to sheer mountains, numerous sandy beaches and rivers, together with a mild Mediterranean climate, make Cape Town an idyllic arena for an international long distance triathlon.
The 226K course will take in much of the region’s most spectacular scenery. The 3.8K swim will take place at Granger Bay on the Atlantic Ocean with its stunning views of Robben Island.
The 180K one-lap bike course promises to be one of the toughest in the Challenge series, with over 2,000m of climbing through the Constantia winelands, including the famous Chapman’s Peak, along the coastal route as it skirts around Table Mountain and heads out to Khayelitsha.
This is the largest and fastest growing township in South Africa and will allow athletes a taste of the true diversity of this region.
The marathon will start at Green Point Stadium precinct, head into the City Bowl before climbing up onto Kloof Road and down into Camps Bay with its white sandy beaches, fringed by palm trees, followed by a two loop run along the Atlantic Seaboard finishing at Green Point precinct next to the stadium.
The route is novel and testing, based in the heart of Cape Town, in that it incorporates the cooler waters of Table Bay, the wind of the Cape Flats, the entire Peninsula and the steep slopes of Table Mountain.
"Cape Town is often called the Mother City and for good reason," said Grant Kunneke, Managing Director of Challenge South Africa and Race Director of Challenge Cape Town.
"This city, which brings you the finest wine, never ending backdrops and rich history, is now adding what will be a new jewel in Cape Town’s sporting crown, Challenge Cape Town."
"Cape Town was the obvious choice for Challenge Family to launch in South Africa," added Challenge Family CEO, Felix Walchsh
