Challenge Bahrain has announced its pro field to date and confirmed the start line on 6 December will be one of the most impressive ever seen over the half distance.
Hundreds of age group athletes will race along side the biggest names in triathlon on one of the fastest and most diverse course on the international circuit – high-tech architecture, 5,000 year-old culture, F1 racing and indigenous wildlife all make up the unique 113km course.
The battle for the world's largest prize purse over the half distance of $500,000 has attracted the best of the best in long distance racing, as well as lured some well-known individuals over from short course racing, making their long distance debut.
No less than nine former and current world champions – Pete Jacobs (AUS), Mirinda Carfrae (AUS), Chris McCormack (AUS), Leanda Cave (GBR), Terenzo Bozzone (NZL), Eneko Llanos (ESP), Julie Dibens (GBR), Catriona Morrisson (GBR) - four Olympic medallists including Jan Frodeno (GER), Bevan Docherty (NZL), Lisa Norden (SWE) - and two Commonwealth Games gold medallists including Brad Kahlefeldt (AUS) will line up on the shores of Bahrain Bay on 6 December.
World-class athletes making their long course debut include this year's Commonwealth Games gold medallist Jodie Stimpson (GBR), current Xterra World Champion Nicky Samuels (NZL) and Olympic bronze medallist Erin Densham (AUS).
"We are honored to host each and every professional triathlete to the Kingdom of Bahrain to participate in Challenge Bahrain, an event we are holding very dear in our hearts," said Dr Saqer Al Khalifa, president of the Bahrain Triathlon Association. "Having such a great lineup will most certainly bring us closer to our goals, to raise awareness of the importance and significance of having sports become an integral part of a person's life in all global societies."
"A field of this calibre is going to ensure Challenge Bahrain is one of the most memorable races of the year – and it's open to everyone!" said Zibi Szlufcik, Challenge Family CEO. "Age groupers will race along side the greatest and most inspirational athletes in our sport. Triathlon is the only sport on the planet where everyday people like you and me, regardless of ability, can share the course with the world's best and Challenge Bahrain is the ultimate showcase of what makes this sport great along with its definition of quality leadership and warm welcome to all."
The professional athletes confirmed to date for Challenge Bahrain are as follows:
Men
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Women
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For further information on Challenge Bahrain, visit www.challenge-bahrain.com.bh.
