Challenge Family today announced the latest addition to its triathlon family – the much awaited Challenge Galway in Ireland, taking place on 24-26 June 2016.
Challenge Galway will be a full festival of triathlon with a series of events running over the weekend for all ages and abilities: from first timers, to the professional long-distance triathletes. The weekend will culminate with the flagship full distance Challenge Galway on Sunday 26 June.
"Challenge Galway is much more than a triathlon - this is an international sports tourism event!" said Challenge Ireland CEO Liam Heavin. "Challenge Galway will build as an event that can grow year on year. Starting in 2016, we will build a strong festival alongside our inaugural triathlon event. Galway successfully hosted the magnificent Volvo Ocean Race in 2009 and the Grand Finalé in 2012. The Volvo Ocean Race was a magnificent event from the sailing perspective. Interestingly its lasting legacy was the festival that swept the entire country away. It shows what the city is capable of, and for us is the reason to build the sustainable, international event that Galway so richly deserves in the form of Challenge Galway."
"We are extremely happy to become part of the welcoming community of Galway with our Challenge race. The demand for a Challenge Family event in Ireland has been high for a number of years and we're delighted to announce a race in the true jewel of the Emerald Isle with Challenge Galway," said Challenge Family CEO Zibi Szlufcik. "The course captures the true essence of Ireland and the bike course in particular is absolutely spectacular. Combine this with the legendary Irish atmosphere as well as warm hospitality and you have a race that is sure to become one of the iconic triathlons on the international circuit, attracting athletes from all over the world."
The 3.8km Challenge Galway swim is in the coastal inlet south of Galway Bay Golf Resort - close to Oranmore and across Galway Bay from the city itself. It provides the most predictable and manageable sea conditions, while still providing enough space to deliver the event at scale.
The Wild Atlantic Way; the world's longest defined coastal touring route, presents some of the most breath taking scenery anywhere in the world and makes up the 180km bike course. It's a picture postcard of Ireland and has the spectacular backdrop of The Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark. A true taste of 'The Emerald Isle', for athletes.
Nothing beats a city centre run, taking in the best of the town centre, seafront and with it, the potential for street entertainment, atmosphere and craic! The 42.2km run is magical. Bridges arch over River Corrib. Wild salmon leap upstream from Nimmos Pier. Brightly painted pubs line the cobbled streets offer the perfect theatre for spectators. With live music, food and drink a'plenty. Athletes are carried forward by the rhythm of music and laughter. A marathon like no other; our unique tour of Ireland's 'Most Irish' city, Galway. A city seeped in rich history and culture.
Galway, which once was a small fishing village, is steeped in history. Known as the City of the Tribes, is an important tourist centre and a gateway to Ireland's most scenic areas. There's plenty to see and do in the area, aside from enjoy the Challenge Galway Triathlon Festival with the best examples of Ireland's medieval heritage as well as the stunning UNESCO GeoPark to explore.
Entries open on 21 June 2015, with pre-registration starting today, 8 June, at www.challenge-galway.eu.
