Following a week of eager anticipation, the team at Challenge UK have confirmed that the 2014 event will be held in the coastal town of Weymouth, Dorset. Famous for its fine Georgian seafront and long golden, sandy beaches; the views from Weymouth bay are truly spectacular and should make for quite a unique new race site.
The Jurassic coastline of Dorset, along England’s south coast, is famous internationally as a World Heritage site, bursting with rich heritage and steeped in over 185 million years of history.
And that’s not all. As the area of Weymouth & Portland was a host venue for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic sailing events, the area has hugely benefited from the ‘Olympic Legacy’, with improvements made across all sectors; from local transport and tourism to infrastructure and roads.
The race will take place on 14 September 2014, opening with a sea swim in the clear blue waters of Weymouth bay. The rolling bike course will weave through the stunning local countryside offering competitors a fast and smooth course, taking in the beautiful surrounding terrain. The run will then lead throughout the town of Weymouth, and will no doubt be bustling with support from family, friends and loved ones.
Challenge UK Race Director, Alan Rose said, “Weymouth is the perfect destination for Challenge UK, and we are really excited and proud to be able to make this announcement. The local area is quite simply, stunning and we cannot think of a better location.”
Alan continued, “Challenge Weymouth will offer a competitive and fast course. We will be hosting both long and half distance triathlon events, as well as a new Challenge kids event – there really is something for all the family.
“It is certainly one to pencil in for athletes who want to beat their best in 2014, and chase their coveted race PB’s. With over 900 athletes already pre-registered, we are confident that this will be a popular event.”
Cllr Ian Bruce, responsible for Tourism and Culture at Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, said, “We are very pleased that Challenge UK have chosen Weymouth as the ideal venue for this prestigious event, and we look forward to working with organisers Just Racing UK.”
He added,“Weymouth has a great event and sporting heritage which has been enhanced by the triathlon events run by local organisations. The date of 14 September 2014 is perfect for our aim to extend our festivals and events season and will provide a boost to the local economy as well as a fantastic viewing opportunity for locals and visitors.
“We look forward to working with our local triathlon and sporting clubs and putting the area on the global triathlon calendar.”
Challenge Family CEO, Felix Walchshöfer, said the new UK location was sure to prove popular with both British and international athletes, “Weymouth is quintessential English seaside culture at its best,” he said. “It is a perfect fit for Challenge Family with its outstanding course, welcoming community and plenty for athletes, friends and family to enjoy before and after the race.
“As a pure coincidence, Weymouth is where I spent many weeks as an exchange student and I’m very much looking forward to revisiting this beautiful area.”
Registration is now open for those that have pre-registered. All pre-registered athletes need to do is enter information when prompted to complete the registration process.
General entries will open on Thursday 24 October 2013.
Challenge UK is part of the Global Challenge Series of Long Distance Triathlons. It is organized and executed by experienced race organizing firm Just Racing UK.
Just Racing UK organizes a range of running, cycling, duathlon and triathlon events in the UK, including National Championships, World and European age group qualifying races, and pool and open water triathlons.
