Entries to the ground-breaking Challenge Bahrain closed early at the weekend with a sell-out field. Athletes from 51 countries, including many of the sport's biggest names will make triathlon history on 6 December 2014 at the event that has set new standards in professional triathlon with its record-breaking prize purse.
The field brings together world champions, Olympic champions and along with some of the greatest names in triathlon such as Mirinda Carfrae (AUS), Sebastian Kienle (GER), Rachel Joyce (GBR), Caroline Steffen (SUI), Pete Jacobs (AUS) and Jan Frodeno (GER) and as part of the 80-strong pro field. Joining them are over 1,000 age group athletes, many of them local Bahrainis competing for the first time over the half distance.
Dr Saqer Al Kahlifa, president of the Bahrain Triathlon Association said he was very excited about the event that is now just one month away, "We believed from day one that if we lined up all the essential factors under the supervision of the Challenge Family, we will get in return what we have been wishing for. It was initially very challenging to focus on the details of creating a world-class event, but the human resources selected to run this event are simply creating one fantastic triathlon portrait. While this event aims to also bring the world's best to our Kingdom, we are proud to say that the local participation in Challenge Bahrain has made us proud and surpassed our expectations. I cannot hide my excitement!"
The much-anticipated action from Challenge Bahrain will be shown around the world over the Internet in a live broadcast commentated by multiple world champion Chris McCormack and Oliver Wilson and directed by the multiple Emmy Award-winning Peter Henning.
As well as breaking records with its $500k prize purse, Challenge Bahrain will also be the largest single-race participation event in the Middle East, firmly putting Bahrain on the international triathlon map. Challenge Family CEO, Zibi Szlufcik said he was proud to partner with Bahrain to bring world-class triathlon to the Middle East.
"Challenge Bahrain is the largest single distance race in the region and it firmly puts Bahrain on the triathlon map. We know athletes are going to be blown away by the warm Bahrain welcome, along with the high calibre of this event. We are also extremely happy to see so many locals taking part, many for the first time – the future of triathlon is looking good!"
Challenge Bahrain will take place on Saturday 6 December with the start gun set to go off at 7.30am. Live coverage will broadcast on www.challenge-bahrain.com.bh.
