Challenge Family increases presence in Asia with addition of Challenge Taiwan

Challenge Family today announced two new additions to its Asian race schedule. Challenge Taiwan and Challenge Half Taiwan are the latest additions to the Challenge Family with the inaugural events taking place on 4 May 2013.

Taking place in Taiwan’s stunning tropical east coast in and around Taitung, Challenge Taiwan marks Challenge Family’s first full distance in Asia and second half distance following the announcement of Challenge Laguna Phuket earlier this moth.

Taitung is famous for its hot springs and surfing as well as spectacular coastline and mountains and its scenic beauty has earned it the name of ‘garden of Taiwan’. The Challenge Taiwan course reflects the many reasons why Taitung is fast becoming the Taiwanese centre for triathlon and cycling.

The two-lap swim takes place in the flowing Lake in Taitung Forest Park followed by an undulating two-lap bike course which heads north between the soaring Carp Mountains and spectacular Pacific Ocean coastline, passing through traditional Taiwan villages along the way.

The run combines the cultural heart of Taitung city with the surrounding tranquil rice fields and orchards and vibrant ocean promenade.

Both the full distance and half distance races will also feature relay teams to encourage all levels of participation and to all an easier transition for those looking to take on triathlon’s ultimate distance. While competing as a relay team member, athletes will still be able to experience the thrill of racing alongside the world’s top triathletes such as Australia’s Belinda Granger.

Granger, who has raced in Asia for many years as well as at Challenge Family races around the world, said the arrival of Challenge Taiwan added a new dimension to racing in Asia for 2013.

“I am really looking forward to racing the inaugural Challenge Taiwan next year. With the announcement of Challenge Phuket and now Challenge Taiwan it looks like we are going to have some amazing races to do next year in Asia,” she said. “I have always loved racing in Asia – it really is where my career as a professional triathlete began. Now to finally have the Challenge series here as well is a dream come true.”

Kent Wong, Challenge Taiwan race director, said the race was meeting the demand from Taiwan’s growing triathlon market.

“There is a real need for a quality long distance race, not just in Taiwan but in Asia. Challenge with its strong focus on attention to detail and high caliber of athlete experience is perfectly placed to fill this gap,” he said. “Taiwan’s triathlon market is growing rapidly, and the sport is also enjoying significant growth through other key parts of Asia. Our proximity to Hong Kong and ease of access from throughout Asia, combined with the spectacular scenery, great climate and the welcoming hospitality of the Taiwanese makes this the perfect location for Challenge Family’s first long distance race in Asia.”

“Taitung is the perfect destination to hold Challenge Family’s first long distance race in Asia. Its natural beauty is outstanding and combined with its relaxed atmosphere it’s the ideal destination for families to enjoy the true Taiwan as well as to deliver an outstanding race,” said Challenge Family CEO, Felix Walchshöfer. “We are delighted to work with our partners Kent Wong and Body Marketing given their long experience in triathlon. We’re excited to have such a strong presence in Asia and we look forward to introducing athletes throughout Asia to the unique Challenge Family race experience.”

The Challenge Family global series of long distance triathlons is changing the face of long distance racing around the world with its focus on athlete experience. Featuring spectacular courses in iconic destinations, Challenge Family events focus on delivering the race of a lifetime to every athlete, and creating a memorable spectator experience that captures all the excitement and emotion of this inspirational sport. The Challenge Family series currently features 17 events around the world including the world’s largest long distance triathlon, Challenge Roth in Germany. Other Challenge Family races take place in Germany, Austria, Canada, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Denmark, New Zealand, Thailand and now Taiwan.