Challenge Family has revealed its second race in North America in as many months with today’s announcement of Challenge New Jersey State Triathlon on 20-21 July 2024, following on from last month’s announcement of Challenge Cap Québec.
Previously the New Jersey State Triathlon, the partnership with the established short course event not only marks the global triathlon series’ return to the USA, but also its commitment to extending its “all about the athlete” ethos to all areas of the sport. Challenge New Jersey State Triathlon joins Challenge Barcelona Triathlon and Challenge Istanbul as the third short course-only event in the series.
Based in Mercer Country Park, home of the US Olympic Rowing Team, Challenge New Jersey State Triathlon has one of the country’s fastest and flattest courses and is one of the largest triathlons on the East Coast, selling out with 3,500 athletes.
“For many of our athletes the race is their first introduction to triathlon and what a way to start as part of a prestigious international series!” said Michele Redrow, race director. “With this partnership we can offer the same great race and incredible venue paired with a new look and more of the unparalleled customer perks athletes have come to expect from Challenge Family.”
“We’re delighted to be back in the USA and couldn’t have asked for more passionate or aligned partners than Larry and Michele Redrow and their team at the New Jersey State Triathlon,” said Jort Vlam, Challenge Family CEO. “Bringing the race into Challenge Family includes it as part of an internationally renowned organisation that shares its core values and can help inspire grass roots participation as well as extend opportunities for athlete all over the world.”
Challenge New Jersey State Triathlon will be the first Challenge Family Olympic distance event that will carry slots to The Championship, Challenge Family’s qualification-only flagship event held at the x-bionic sphere in Šamorin, Slovakia each year.
“Qualification for The Championship will be limited to the top three in each age group over the Olympic distance,” said Vlam. “The Championship is all about celebrating success and Challenge Family is all about inclusivity. Extending an invitation to our best short course podium athletes gives them the opportunity to be included our flagship event.”
The Challenge New Jersey State Triathlon swim is in the calm and current-free Mercer Lake followed by the fast, flat bike on well-maintained local and closed/traffic-free county roads around the perimeter of the park. The run course follows in the footsteps of the US Cross Country Championships and is entirely within the park on paved trails running along the banks of the lake and through shaded wood areas before crossing the finish line with its unforgettable party atmosphere.
