Challenge Salou will celebrate its 10th anniversary this weekend with a special edition that will welcome more than 50 professional triathletes and hundreds of age group athletes from 53 different countries. While the event is best known for its Middle Distance race, this year’s edition also includes a Short Distance format, making it accessible to a wider range of athletes. Biggest name within the Middle Distance field: Anne Haug.
The main race will take place on Sunday, May 11, but the coastal city of Salou is already gearing up for three action-packed days of sport, celebration, and solidarity by the sea.
Challenge Salou has become one of the top events on the international triathlon calendar thanks to its fast and secure course, featuring a closed motorway bike segment and a scenic beachfront run. This year’s elite field is exceptionally strong, with top-level athletes competing in both the men’s and women’s races.
Among the men, standout names include Thomas Davis (GBR), Paulin Philippe (FRA), Victor Arroyo Bugallo (ESP), Mikel Mugica Bikuña (ESP), and Pavel Wohl (CZE). The women’s field is headlined by Ironman World Champion Anne Haug (GER), who will be joined by Elisabetta Curridori (ITA), Judith Corachán (ESP), Rachel Faulds (GBR), Hanni van Wyk (RSA) and Marlene de Boer (NED).
“Having such an outstanding international lineup for our 10th anniversary is truly an honour,” said race director Juanan Fernández. “But Challenge Salou is more than just a race – it’s a celebration of sport, community, and shared values.”
A weekend for everyone
Festivities begin on Friday, May 9, with the opening of the triathlon expo (5:00–8:00 p.m.) on Passeig Jaume I, where top industry brands will showcase their latest gear. Bib pickup will also be available during this time. In the evening, the renowned Los 40 Principales radio station will host a live concert at the Plaça de les Comunitats Autònomes.
Saturday, May 10, brings even more activities. At 8:30 a.m., the ABUS Bike Check will offer athletes a chance to ride one lap (28 km) of the official bike course, organized in collaboration with the local club Salou Triatló Costa Daurada. At 10:30 a.m., the SAILFISH Swim Check will take place at Platja de Ponent, the same beach where the race will start on Sunday. The day will also feature press conferences, athlete briefings, and at 6:30 p.m., the Family Run — a 2 km fun run open to all ages.
This year’s Family Run will be a charity edition, with all registration fees donated to the Rosa Maria Vivar Foundation, which supports individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Registration costs just 2€ and can be done online. The first 100 participants will receive a 2-for-1 voucher for PortAventura. All runners will finish at the official Challenge Salou finish line and will be welcomed with water, Powerade, and fruit.
The big day: Sunday, May 11
Race day begins early with athlete check-in from 5:30 to 7:45 a.m. The professional middle-distance men will start at 8:00 a.m., followed by the pro women at 8:05 a.m., and then age group waves across both the middle and short distances, as well as relay teams.
The first athletes are expected to cross the finish line around 11:30 a.m. At 1:00 p.m., all participants are invited to the Finisher Paella Party at Passeig Jaume I. The awards ceremony will take place at 4:00 p.m. at the Plaça de les Comunitats Autònomes.
