The New Challenge Philippines Launches this Weekend

The inaugural Challenge Philippines race will take place this Saturday in Bataan. The half distance event has attracted some of the top triathletes. Four-time world champion Chris McCormack will be leading the charge, but current ITU Long Course World Champion and reigning Challenge Laguna Phuket champion, Rasmus Patreaus (DEN), Olympian and two-times ITU World Series Champion Greg Bennett (USA) are sure to make him work.

On the women’s side, Challenge Melbourne champion, Annabel Luxford (AUS), Melissa Hauschildt (AUS), Olympian and USA World Cup champion Laura Bennett (USA) and Olympic silver medalist Emma Pooley (GBR) will make for an exciting and tough race.

In addition to the deep pro field, 700 age group athletes will take to the the white sand beaches of the Camayan Beach Resort for the swim over tropical fish, reefs and two historic shipwrecks. The tree-lined bike course also features some very fast descents. The run course goes through the Ilanin Forest Reserve before finishing on the shores of Adventure Beach.

Dave Voth, Challenge Philippines CEO, said there has been an increase in triathletes from Philippines and rest of the Southeast Asian region are signing up for international races. “Challenge Philippines with its “signature” bike and run courses, as well as its magnificent swim-course will provide that needed jump-off point especially for age-groupers who want to compete at the level of their international counterparts.”