Challenge Almere-Amsterdam has reached the pinnacle of recognition within the Challenge Family circuit. During the Challenge Family Awards Gala held this weekend on Gran Canaria, the Dutch Long Distance classic was officially crowned Challenge Family Race of the Year, the most prestigious award within the global series.
The honor follows several successful years for the event at the Challenge Family Awards, but this latest accolade stands above all others. What makes the award particularly meaningful is that it is entirely athlete-driven: competitors from across the Challenge Family calendar were able to cast their votes over a period of several weeks.
Race Director Richard Belderok accepted the award alongside Commercial Director Jort Vlam, Event Director Jefry Visser, Event Manager Jolanda Felix, and Head of Marketing Tim Moria.
“This is a tremendous recognition for our team, and especially for the hundreds of volunteers who dedicate themselves – sometimes for an entire year – to making Challenge Almere-Amsterdam the outstanding event that it is,” said Belderok.
He emphasized that the athlete-based voting system adds extra weight to the title.
“What makes this award even more special is that the Challenge Family Awards are true audience awards: athletes were able to vote for weeks across all races. That Challenge Almere-Amsterdam is regarded as the Race of the Year means a great deal to us. Every year, our event is organized with immense love and passion. You can clearly see that appreciation reflected on race day, especially at the finish line. To experience that appreciation once again in this way is simply fantastic.”
The Challenge Family Awards are presented annually and recognize excellence across a wide range of categories, from course design to athlete experience and sustainability. The Race of the Year award is widely regarded as the ultimate distinction within the series.
As is tradition, the awards ceremony took place during the annual Challenge Family Race Director Meeting, an international gathering where organizers from around the world come together to exchange knowledge and best practices. This year’s meeting was hosted on Gran Canaria.
Challenge Family Awards – Category Winners
- Race of the Year – Challenge Almere-Amsterdam (Netherlands)
- Best Race Venue – Challenge Peguera-Mallorca (Spain)
- Best New Race – Challenge Sir Bani Yas (Abu Dhabi)
- Best Swim – Challenge Forte Village (Sardinia)
- Best Bike – DATEV Challenge Roth (Germany)
- Best Run – SAIL Challenge Québec (Canada)
- Best Finish Line Party – DATEV Challenge Roth (Germany)
- Best Atmosphere – The Championship (Slovakia)
- Best Pasta Party – The Championship (Slovakia)
- Best After Race Food – Challenge Kaiserwinkl-Walchsee (Austria)
- Best Video Content – Challenge Taiwan (Taiwan)
- Most Eco Friendly – Challenge Peguera-Mallorca (Spain)
- Most Family Friendly – Challenge Salou-Costa Daurada (Spain)
