Introducing Challenge Penticton – August 25, 2013.

Challenge Family today announced the expansion of its global series of long distance triathlons into North America with the launch of Challenge Penticton in Canada.

Challenge Penticton joins the Challenge Family’s series of races that includes the world’s largest iron distance triathlon, Challenge Roth in Germany. Challenge Family CEO Felix Walchshöfer said bringing together two of triathlon’s oldest and most respected races reinforced the all-important legacy of the sport.

“The towns of Roth in Germany and Penticton in Canada have both grown remarkable races since the earliest days of the sport. To have them together in one family, both in the hands of their respective communities, ensures this legacy will continue for years to come,” said Mr. Walchshöfer.

The launch of Challenge Penticton sees it as the exclusive full iron distance Challenge race in Canada, and marks the long-distance race returning to its roots with community support and ownership.

“Challenge Penticton will be community driven and designed to benefit residents and athletes alike,” said Penticton Mayor Dan Ashton. “The event will involve a week-long festival that provides a unique experience for athletes, families and spectators, while showcasing our warm and welcoming city. We are happy to be joining the Challenge Family.”

Taking place on Aug. 25, 2013, Challenge Penticton will bring a new race experience to a time-honoured course. Athletes will benefit from the inclusion of relay teams, festival events and the unique Challenge Family atmosphere popular throughout Europe and beyond.

In addition to reducing the opening registration fee to $675 CDN (including taxes), Challenge Penticton will offer value to athletes of all abilities and backgrounds with an enhanced experience and the race field will be restructured to include wave starts, which will allow the addition of relay teams for the first time in Penticton. In addition, professional triathletes will benefit from a prize purse of more than $60,000 CDN (50,000 Euro) prize purse paying down to 10th place.

“Growing the sport of triathlon is one of Challenge Family’s key objectives. It’s important to us that entry fee levels are set to include as many athletes as possible while the relay teams offer an achievable entry into the sport we are all so passionate about,” said Mr Walchshöfer. “Over the years we’ve seen many triathletes who started out doing one discipline in the teams cross the finish line as an individual, and we’re very proud to play a part in their triathlon journey.”

“I am very very excited about what’s happening here in Penticion. This is very good for this event,” said Peter Reid, three-time Ironman World Champion, who will become the spokesperson for Challenge Family here in Canada, and will join the advisory board.

Registration begins Monday.

Find out more at www.challenge-penticton.com