On 13 February 2016 Chile will host the country's first Challenge Family triathlon with the announcement of the half distance Challenge Puerto Varas.
Puerto Varas, one of the most beautiful regions and cities in southern Chile is also known as "La ciudad de las rosas" or "the city of roses. It was formed from the German Colonization with immigrants who settled here between 1852 and 1853 and as such has a strong German heritage integrated with its South American culture.
The Challenge Puerto Varas course is centred around this iconic South American town and includes the beautiful landscapes of the region, highlighting the imposing Osorno Volcano and Lake Llanquihue. Puerto Varas is also known for its adventure tourism with lots of water sports, particularly kayaking and canyoning and its strong German heritage and architecture combine with the South American culture.
 Puerto Varas(Photo: Challenge Family; click to enlarge) |
The 1.9km two lap swim course takes place in the calm and crystal waters of Lake Llanquihue.
The three-lap 90km bike course runs along the shores of Lake Llanquihue heading towards Ensenada, where the majesty of the Osorno Volcano is constantly with athletes, towering over the lake views.
The half marathon run course is a fast, flat three laps also along the shores of Lake Llanquihue before finishing in the heart of the city.
The Challenge Puerto Varas prize purse will be the highest in the history of triathlon in Chile at 20.5 million pesos (€30,000).
Edmundo Foncesca, Challenge Puerto Varas spokesperson said the event would offer Chile's growing triathlon community outstanding opportunity.
"The idea of doing a half distance in the city of Puerto Varas, aims to offer the growing community of triathletes, not only Chileans and the region but to the international community, another career option where you can test the capabilities of each athlete. In addition the event will involve the whole family in this spectacular location, as is typical of the Challenge Family series of events. Chile and the region and Puerto.Varas, deserves to have this triathlon and we look forward to see you on February 13, 2016 along with your entire family," he said.
Renowned Chilean triathlete Marcelo Galvez gave the event his full support, "Puerto Varas is an excellent choice to run a triathlon because besides being able to participate in this event, athletes can enjoy exploring the area and discovering great places: Up to Osorno volcano, visit the town of Frutillar and taste its exquisite local cuisine, shop around the city of Puerto Montt and revel in cocinerías ... personally I'm really excited to visit Challenge Puerto Varas!"
For further information and entries, please visit www.challenge-puertovaras.com.
