Just Racing UK, the organising team behind Challenge Weymouth has revealed the bike and run courses that have now been confirmed for the inaugural event on 14 September 2014. The team has spent much of the last few months working closely with the local and Dorset highways authorities in Weymouth, southern England, determining the very best and safest routes in which to host the event.
Alan Rose, Event Director for Challenge Weymouth is excited to make this announcement, and is very pleased with how things have gone. He said, “We have spent a huge amount of time down in Weymouth, receiving a very warm welcome from the local area. I can say with confidence that we have picked the very best course too, in an area which is proud of its ‘Olympic Legacy’, having been a host venue for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic sailing events.”
Alan continued, ‘It is a course that will not only show the historic beauty of the extraordinary Jurassic coastline, but also allow for some fast times and most importantly a memorable race for all.”
Alan noted that the bike course will consist of two laps, with approximately 1800m of climbing, over 400m less than that the previous Challenge UK event in Henley.
“So, the course is not pan flat but is certainly fast. It would be best described as ‘undulating’, with no real nasty hills, but lots of rolling countryside. Much of the road quality is quite simply superb too, we could not believe how smooth it was.”
Alan added, “The course takes athletes along the beautiful and historic Jurassic coastline, a safe and uninterrupted course with a mix of closed roads, traffic controlled turns and areas open to traffic. The views are magnificent, and the route passes through many historical villages, weaving through the rural landscape. All athletes are in for a real treat!”
So, with a fast and smooth bike course, what can we expect to see on the run? It seems that the team are just as excited about the run course.
“The run course is flat and consists of four laps of 9.3km along with a segment of 5km between transition and the start of the first lap,” Alan said. “Given the number of laps, the opportunities for supporters along the way is extensive, as the course leads through the heart of Weymouth town, along the famous Esplanade, passing the Pier Grandstand and Clock Tower.”
What makes the run course especially welcoming though, is the entertainment planned along the way as the team plan to facilitate a real party atmosphere, with special ‘Support Zones’ and the aptly named ‘Beer Mile’.
Alan said, “We want our race to be fun – for athletes and spectators alike. ‘Beer Mile’ is a mile long segment of the course, which starts at the Quay Side and follows through the town centre, so-called as runners will be welcomed by the electric atmosphere of the many food and drink outlets and entertainment activities.
“Support Zones are specially set aside areas of music and entertainment. This is not just a race, it is a festival of activity, and athletes will be able to enjoy this when they need it most.”
Alan concluded, “We want the Challenge Weymouth Event to become the leading long distance event in the UK. And can’t wait to welcome you all down to Weymouth in September.”
