The organisers of Challenge Penticton in British Columbia, Canada, have confirmed the addition of a half distance race for 2014.
“Penticton set the bar for long-course triathlon in Canada and the United States, and we’re thrilled to roll out a half distance triathlon in 2014 so a whole new group of athletes can take the Challenge,” said Paulette Rennie, Challenge Penticton Canada President.
“Athletes have been knocking our door down asking for more events to enjoy with their family and friends, and Challenge Penticton Canada is delivering.”
The Challenge Penticton Canada Half race will run on the same day – 24 August 2014 – as the full long-distance race and will also be sanctioned under Tri BC regulations. The race course for the half will remain within the single loop course athletes have come to know and expect as part of the full distance event.
The Challenge Penticton Canada Half is one of many options for athletes, which also includes the popular full distance relay component. Relay teams sold out in 2013, in part due to the athlete matching program – where individual athletes and incomplete teams can be matched to round out a relay team.
There are also a variety of activities planned for athletes of all ages – including a fun run for youth and families that can do 1K or 5K options. Athletes can also (almost) bare it all with the return of the Underpants Run; and the entire week of fun begins with the Celebration of Sport parade down Lakeshore Drive on Wednesday 20 August 2014.
As always, athletes will be the key focus of the week, celebrated during the Friday night pasta party and awards banquet and volunteer thank you dinner on Monday.
“This year I saw as Penticton was able to honour its passion for triathlon, and adding a Challenge Half to the legendary race is a fabulous way to build on their history of quality race experiences for athletes,” said Challenge Family CEO, Felix Walchshöfer.
“Challenge Penticton Canada will truly be a celebration of sport for the entire family.”
The Half distance race entry is set at C$350 plus tax and will be capped at 600 athletes. It is anticipated that this event will sell out quickly. Athletes can expect to be included in all celebrations and events afforded to those doing the full distance event.
Early bird registration for the full distance race is set at C$599 plus tax for individual athletes and C$825 plus tax for relay team entries. The early bird deadline is 31 December 2013. The full distance race is limited to 1500 individuals and only 200 relay teams, with both also expected to sell out.
With a 32-year history of running long-distance triathlons, Challenge Penticton Canada is now a part of the global series of full, relay and half triathlons within the Challenge Family, with next year’s race taking place on 24 August 2014. Challenge Penticton Canada is a not-for-profit society committed to providing an exceptional race experience for athletes, the supporters, and the community, with the mandate to give back to local sport-related charities.
The Challenge Family celebrates the sport of triathlon through its global series of long distance events and festivals that aiming to change the face of long distance racing around the world with its focus on athlete experience. Featuring spectacular courses in iconic destinations, Challenge Family events focus on delivering the race of a lifetime to every athlete, and creating a memorable spectator experience that captures all the excitement and emotion of this inspirational sport.
The Challenge Family series currently features 22 events around the world including the world’s largest long distance triathlon, Challenge Roth in Germany. Other Challenge Family races take place in Germany, Holland, Austria, Canada, UK, France, Spain, Italy, New Zealand, Thailand, Philippines, Taiwan and the USA.
