 Jeff Symonds winning his first Challenge Penticton title(Photo: Challenge Family; click to enlarge) |
Racing returns to the time-honoured course of Penticton as the Valley First Challenge Penticton on Sunday 30 August.
Offering thousands of athletes the choice of a full or half distance event over a course set between two pristine lakes and along rolling vineyards in Penticton's picturesque wine region. It offers a real test of strength and endurance while rewarding you with a stunning backdrop.
This year the professional prize purse was allocated to the Valley First Challenge Penticton Half, the move has attracted the best field in a decade.
50 of the worlds best have gathered for a chance at the title and slice of $30,000 prize money.
Hometown favourites Jeff Symonds and Jen Annett are part of an impressive field, and joined by Canadian Olympian Brent McMahon, who also owns the auspicious title of fastest Ironman debut. 2014 Challenge Penticton champions over the full distance, Carrie Lester (AUS) and Symonds are looking to add the half-distance title this year.
Trevor Wurtele (CAN), winner of the first Ironman Canada in Whistler, defending half-distance champion Alistair Eeckman (USA), three-time Xterra world champion Melanie McQuaid (CAN), three-time Ironman and now Ultra502K Canada champion Kate Bevilaqua (AUS) and Karen Thibodeau (CAN).
Steve King, the voice of Challenge Penticton, said looking back at the last few years when the race was run under Ironman, and the money involved then, the race didn't have a roster anywhere near this talented.
"This calibre of a field is back to the days of when they had the greats of the world coming," said King, who mentioned Ray Browning, Scott Molina and Erin Baker. "It's a first class field, it really is."
McMahon is a late entry and comes in with a couple of strong, long- distance performances under his belt. King said he's an amazing addition.
Another contender is Matt Lieto (USA), who took second at the prestigious Wildflower Triathlon this year.
Also among the field is five-time Ironman champion and former winner here Bryan Rhodes of New Zealand.
Fellow New Zealander Brayden Currie, is a three-time Coast-to-Coast champion in New Zealand and has won the New Zealand long-distance championship, Asia-Pacific Xterra, is a U.S. off road triathlon champ and Australasian multisport champ.
Racing gets underway 6:30am for the full distance and half at 6:50am local time.
Follow the action on Twitter @challenge_pen and Facebook – Challenge Penticton.
