Challenge Family has a new home in the UK. The popular seaside town of Weymouth in Dorset on the South Coast of England will host the inaugural Challenge Weymouth on 14 September 2014.
Famous for its fine Georgian seafront and long golden, sandy beaches; the views from Weymouth Bay are truly spectacular and make for a unique new race site.
The Jurassic Coast is famous internationally as a World Heritage Site, bursting with rich heritage and steeped in over 185 million years of history.
In addition, the Weymouth and Portland region was a host venue for the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics sailing events. The area has hugely benefited from the 'Olympic Legacy', with improvements made across all sectors; from local transport and tourism to infrastructure and roads
Challenge Weymouth athletes will start the race with a sea swim, in the clear, blue sheltered waters of Weymouth Bay. The fast, smooth bike course will weave through the magnificent and varied Dorset countryside which has been designated as an area of 'Outstanding Natural Beauty' with its rolling hills, chalk downlands, colourful heathlands and tranquil woodlands. The run will then head through the historic town and along the seafront before finishing in the heart of the water's edge.
Challenge UK race director, Alan Rose said, "Weymouth is the perfect destination for Challenge UK, and we are really excited and proud to be able to make this announcement. The local area is quite simply, stunning and we cannot think of a better location," he said.
"Challenge Weymouth will offer a competitive and fast course along with a half distance event and new Junior Challenge event – which there really is something for all the family.
It is certainly one to pencil in for athletes who want to beat their best in 2014, and chase their coveted race PB's. With over 900 athletes already pre-registered, we are confident that this will be a popular event."
Challenge Family CEO, Felix Walchshöfer, said the new UK location was sure to prove popular with both British and international athletes. "Weymouth is quintessential English seaside heritage at its best," he said. "It is a perfect fit for Challenge Family with its outstanding course, welcoming community and plenty for athletes, friends and family to enjoy before and after the race. Weymouth is also where I spent many weeks as an exchange student and I'm very much looking forward to revisiting this beautiful area."
Cllr Ian Bruce, Brief Holder for Tourism and Culture at Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, said, "We are very pleased that Challenge UK have chosen Weymouth as the ideal venue for this prestigious event, and we look forward to working with organisers Just Racing UK.
"Weymouth has a great event and sporting heritage which has been enhanced by the triathlon events run by local organisations . The date of 14 September 2014 is perfect for our aim to extend our festivals and events season and will provide a boost to the local economy as well as a fantastic viewing opportunity for locals and visitors.
"We look forward to working with our local triathlon and sporting clubs and putting the area on the global triathlon calendar."
General registration for Challenge Weymouth opens at 9.30am GMT on Thursday 24 October 2013 at www.challengeweymouth.com.
