Following on the heels of a successful first-year event, the Challenge Taiwan (3.8K swim, 180K bike, 42K run) and Challenge Taiwan Half (1.9K swim, 90K bike, 21K run) triathlons have now been confirmed to take place on 19 April 2014 in Taitung, Taiwan. Registration for the events opened to the public on 6 July 2013 with a limited number of early bird entries available on a first-come, first-served basis.
“We held a fantastic first ever Challenge Family event in Asia on May 4, 2013 with athletes from throughout the Asia-Pacific region and across the globe enjoying the energy and ambience of our inaugural competition,” said Challenge Taiwan’s Managing Director Michael Dhulst.
“The turnout and support of these athletes – including a record number of top international professionals, most notably our champions New Zealander Dylan McNeice and Australian Belinda Granger – was astounding. Since the event we’ve been hard at work collecting feedback and making every effort to create an even bigger and better triathlon experience for all our athletes and the local community next year!”
The Challenge Taiwan triathlons take place in the south-eastern municipality of Taitung, a quick one-hour flight from Taipei. Competitors swim in the crystal clear and calm waters of Flowing Lake, cycle an undulating course framed by the soaring Carp Mountains and the spectacular Pacific coastline and run through an interesting mixture of tropical orchards, rice paddies, parkland, artistic sculpture gardens and cityscape.
Taitung is well-known as Taiwan’s endurance paradise, with broad bike lanes featured on every roadway and abundant outdoor activities available to the city’s sport-loving population and visitors alike.
“I’ve always enjoyed racing in Asia,” said inaugural women’s champion and Challenge Family ambassador Belinda Granger, “But Challenge Taiwan is a gem among gems. From the course itself to the welcoming community of Taitung to the devoted race staff and their unbelievable attention to detail, I can’t say enough good things about the race. It’s absolutely a bucket list event for anyone passionate about the sport!
Challenge Taiwan’s new and improved website (www.challenge-tawain.com) launched on 1 July 2013 with registration for the 2014 events open on 6 July. Registration procedures have been streamlined to include the following:
The first 700 athletes to register for either Challenge Taiwan or Challenge Taiwan Half will enjoy special early bird rates:
- Challenge Taiwan: Individual US$445 / Relay US$595
- Challenge Taiwan Half: Individual US$225 / Relay US$345
Once 700 early bird athletes have registered, standard rates will apply:
- Challenge Taiwan: Individual US$495 / Relay US$695
- Challenge Taiwan Half: Individual US$275 / Relay US$395
Total registrations will be limited to 1,200 entries to ensure the quality and safety of the event. Challenge Taiwan will also continue the tradition of offering a Taiwan Champion’s Division for both the full and half distance races. Qualification will be based on an athlete’s estimated swim time, required during online registration.
Challenge Taiwan 2014 will also offer more accommodation options and travel packages, to be announced soon on the event website.
