The global long-distance triathlon series Challenge Family has announced Challenge Atlantic City, marking its long awaited debut in the United States.
The historic seaside resort, with its world famous Boardwalk and world-class hotels, will host Europe's leading triathlon series on June 29, 2014. Athletes from across the nation and around the world will be tested to their limits over the 140.6 mile (226km) race course.
 Atlantic City, USA(Photo: Challenge Family; click to enlarge) |
Challenge Atlantic City will embrace the "Challenge Your Self, Race for a Cause" theme. Athletes will begin their day with a 2.4 mile sheltered swim in the back bays of Atlantic City. An incredibly flat and fast 112 mile bike course will use portions of the Atlantic City Expressway and country roads throughout Atlantic County featuring vineyards, state forests, riverside towns and historic downtown Hammonton, the blueberry capital of the world. The 26.2 mile flat run course will feature many Atlantic City highlights finishing on the world famous Boardwalk in front of historic Boardwalk Hall.
Challenge Atlantic City will climax in a weekend celebration of East Coast lifestyle, cultural and community activities and sports for the entire family. Athletes, friends, and family can expect to experience the best of what Absecon Island has to offer including, casinos, shopping and entertainment against a stunning backdrop of sea, sun and sand.
In keeping with Atlantic City's reputation for hosting world-class sports, cultural entertainment events, Challenge Atlantic City's closing ceremony will be something never before experienced in triathlon.
"The Challenge Family is a global leader of long distance racing and Challenge races around the world are recognized as prestigious international sports events. Atlantic City hosting the Challenge Family's first entry into the United States marketplace will further enhance our reputation as a world-class destination. I welcome Challenge Atlantic City and applaud their commitment to our great city," said Mayor Lorenzo T Langford.
Support for hosting Challenge Family's United States debut in Atlantic City also came from the Atlantic City Alliance (ACA), partners in the redevelopment and marketing of Atlantic City.
"Atlantic City is the perfect destination for Challenge to make its US debut since we are so easily accessible to many major US cities," said Liza Cartmell, president of the Atlantic City Alliance. "Atlantic City's natural island resources - bay and the ocean - and the iconic Boardwalk plus, luxury hotels and nightlife will make this Challenge event a big draw for participants. Atlantic City's comeback is gaining momentum as we see the return of Miss America, the return of professional volleyball back to AC, and new developments throughout the city. Now is the perfect opportunity to become the host city for a phenomenal athletic event with a global audience.'
Challenge Atlantic City reflects the efforts by the Challenge Family and local race directors, Robert Vigorito and Stephen Del Monte, to deliver the world's best triathlon experience to athletes, families, and Atlantic City stakeholders.
"Our goal was to bring an iconic Challenge event to the Jersey Shore," said Del Monte. "With the support we are receiving from the City, State, New Jersey Department of Transportation, South Jersey Transportation Authority, ACA and Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, everything is in place for Challenge Atlantic City to become a unique and exceptional athlete and family experience."
"After 30 years of triathlon event production, the thrill of creating and being a part of an historic event continues," said Vigorito. "I'm ready and excited!"
"Challenge Atlantic City epitomizes everything Challenge stands for – an outstanding race experience in terms of the course and the local team, memorable spectator experience, a great vacation destination for friends and families of the athletes and a local community that is passionate about partnering with us," said Challenge Family CEO, Felix Walchshöfer. "We are extremely proud to be working with two of the USA's most respected race directors, Vigo and Stephen. With them, we will introduce an exciting new era of long distance triathlon to the States."
Challenge Atlantic City joins Challenge Family's other North American races, Challenge Penticton and Challenge St Andrews in Canada, taking the series to 22 full and half distance races around the world, including the world's largest long distance triathlon – Challenge Roth in Germany. The birthplace of the Challenge Family, Challenge Roth now features over 5,500 athletes and 220,000 spectators and is home to both world records held by Andreas Raelert (GER) and Chrissie Wellington (GBR). Since 2002, races throughout Europe, UK, Australasia and North American have joined Roth. Together they provide athletes with a new experience of long distance racing with a strong focus on athlete and spectator experience, giving back to the community while respecting the legacy of sport and being committed to its continued growth.
General entries for the inaugural Challenge Atlantic City on June 29, 2014 open at 9.00am EST on Friday, September 20 at www.challengeatlanticcity.com. For further information on Challenge Family visit www.challenge-family.com.
