This weekend the eyes of the triathlon world will be on the east coast of the USA for the inaugural Challenge Atlantic City triathlon festival that has attracted a field of world champions and age group athletes from around the globe.
Challenge Family is making its long awaited US debut this Sunday, June 29, 2014, with 1,500 athletes. Four-time world champion Chris McCormack (AUS) is setting out to make the inaugural title his own but he will first have to leave behind four-time Challenge champion, Dylan McNeice (NZL) and hometown New Jersey athlete, Scott deFilippis (USA). Challenge Penticton champoin, Carrie Lester (AUS) and multiple long distance champion, Jesse Donovan (USA) will head up the women's pro field.
Triathlon's golden couple, Timothy O'Donnell and two-time world champion Mirinda Carfrae will race in the Challenge Atlantic relay teams, both raising money for charity in the process.
Challenge Atlantic City will embrace the "Challenge Your Self, Race for a Cause" theme. Athletes will begin their day with a 3.8km sheltered swim in the back bays of Atlantic City. An incredibly flat and fast 180km 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 42.4km 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 and cultural entertainment events, Challenge Atlantic City's closing ceremony will be something never before experienced in triathlon.
"The Challenge Family is recognized as one of the top prestigious international sports events. Atlantic City's hosting of the Challenge Family's first entry into the United States marketplace will further enhance our reputation as a world-class destination," said Mayor Don Guardian.
Never before has an endurance event of this magnitude (226km) taken place along the Jersey Shore and because of the help of CRDA and the ACA, Atlantic City is poised and prepared to host this world-class sporting event.
All the race action can be followed live at www.challengeatlanticcity.com where you can also download the Challenge Atlantic City Race App for your smartphone. Coverage starts at 6.00am on Sunday 29 June.
