This week, the team at Challenge Weymouth invited athletes, media and locals along to a formal launch, one that would properly welcome the new event to the local area.
Over 35 guests boarded the Pelican 22 tall ship in Weymouth harbour, where they were treated to an informal buffet with reception drinks and canapés. Set right in the heart of Weymouth, it provided a special opportunity to see the area and enjoy a taste of the local atmosphere. And the event followed into the evening too, with a bonfire and fireworks setting Weymouth beach alight.
Held next year, on 14 September 2014, Challenge Weymouth will open 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 route, taking in the beautiful surrounding terrain. The run will then lead through the town, and will no doubt be bustling with support from family, friends and some late season bemused tourists!
Nestled on the spectacular Jurassic coastline of southern England, the harbour town of Weymouth is famous for its fine Georgian seafront and long golden, sandy beaches; the views from Weymouth bay are truly spectacular.
At the event’s official opening Weymouth Mayor, Ray Banham spoke of his delight to welcome Challenge Weymouth to the town. He said, “We are very excited to welcome Challenge UK to Weymouth in 2014 and would like to give the team the warmest welcome possible. We are proud of our town and it is truly an honour that the event will be coming to us. We look forward to working with Alan [Rose] and the team, helping to put the area on the global triathlon calendar.”
Alan Rose, Race Director of Challenge Weymouth said, “What a turn out. We have been absolutely overwhelmed with support from the area and it is fantastic to see that word of the event is already brewing. We’ve spent a few days down here now, and received fabulous support; right through from coffee shop owners to local hoteliers.”
Alan continued, ‘Weymouth is an incredibly unique place, steeped in heritage and culture. It is no surprise to us that the event is filling up quickly, we are counting down to September already!”
Winner of Challenge Henley 2011, Yvette Grice also made it down to Weymouth for the official launch, and she said, “What an amazing place! Weymouth is a beautiful town and provides a superb backdrop for the event. Having raced Challenge Henley for the past three years I know the Challenge team very well, and have all confidence that they will make the event exceptional. I can’t wait to race here next year.”
The Challenge Weymouth 2014 professional race will feature an attractive prize purse, with €50,000 (£42,000) shared across the top ten men and women on the day. The organisers note that it is no surprise that the event has already attracted such a strong field – including previous Challenge UK podium finishers Stephen Bayliss, Joel Jameson and Yvette Grice.
General entries for the event opened 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.
