Global long-distance triathlon series Challenge Family today announced the launch of Challenge Rancho Cordova, its first half distance race in the United States, taking place on October 5, 2014.
The 1.2 mile swim course will take place at the Nimbus Dam which is fed by the American River with headwaters high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This is one of the cleanest bodies of water available for any triathlon swim in California and is calm and flat in all weather conditions. The single-loop point-to-point 56 mile bike course offers glimpses of the Sierra Nevada Mountains while traversing farmland, vineyards, wooded hills, and the historic Mather Field air force base. The course has an overall elevation gain of 1200 feet. The 13.1 mile flat run course on city streets and trails starts and finishes in downtown Rancho Cordova.
Located 12 miles east of the California's state capitol, Sacramento, Rancho Cordova and surrounding communities are rich in the history of California's Gold Rush including the first 12 miles of railroad in California. In more modern times the City hosted a thriving military base and now is home to large aerospace, technology, healthcare and other corporations.
"The City of Rancho Cordova is proud to partner with the Challenge Family to host the Challenge Rancho Cordova Triathlon," said Mayor Dan Skoglund. "Athletes and visitors from around the world will discover all that Rancho Cordova – the Center of it All – has to offer. Our City features a mecca of recreational opportunities and places to stay making it the perfect location for this event."
Challenge Rancho Cordova reflects the efforts by the Challenge Family and USA Productions, a local company that produces a list of multisport events in Northern California.
"Our goal was to bring a major international series half distance race to Northern California, said Ryan Coelho USA Production's Race Director/CEO. "After an extensive venue search, we settled on Rancho Cordova where we have the infrastructure, race course and city support to make this event a memorable athlete and family experience."
"Our events aim to honor the spirit, values and legacy of our sport and we are excited to finally have an event in California, the home-state of triathlon," said Challenge Family CEO, Felix Walchshöfer. "We have teamed with a fantastic community and well-respected local production company to deliver an event that will be rich in athlete, family and spectator experience."
General entries of the inaugural Challenge Rancho Cordova on October 5, 2014 will open at 9am PST on Friday, January 24 at www.Challenge-RanchoCordova.com. Additional event information can be found at Twitter: @challengerancho and Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChallengeRanchoCordova.
