The Challenge Family series of long-distance triathlons has a new home in the United Kingdom with today’s announcement of Challenge Wales on 18 June 2022. The middle-distance race will take place along Pembrokeshire’s spectacular coastline, with a course that is already recognized as one of the best in the UK. With adding a race in the UK, Challenge Family fullfills a wish long cherished by thousands of athletes.
Formerly the award-winning Wales Triathlon, run by leading multisport event organisers, Activity Wales Events, Challenge Wales will take place in Fishguard with its sheltered Fishguard Bay swim, hilly but breathtaking bike course and astonishingly scenic run course with sea views at every turn.
Matthew Evans – CEO of Activity Wales Events said, “We are delighted to be announcing this partnership with Challenge Family. The location of the event is incredible, in that the course is picturesque, yet rewarding and the local community support will welcome and develop a world-class event, like no other in the UK. The event will use a local team, local providers and support the local community which has always been our strategy since our inception – something the events industry really needs after 2 years out of service and what we as Activity Wales Events advocate as standard.”
“We could not hope for better partners in Matthew and his team at Activity Wales Events to re-establish Challenge Family in the UK,” said Jort Vlam, CEO of Challenge Family. “Their strong commitment to athlete and spectator experience, support of the local community and delivery of spectacular events that exceed expectations are all synonymous with Challenge Family’s ethos and commitment to triathlon. We very much look forward to working with them to deliver our first Welsh event and showcase this stunning region to the world!”
Courses
The 1.9km swim takes place in Fishguard Bay which is protected by a breakwater on both sides. The two-lap swim enables swimmers to exit the water to large crowds before re-entering the water for a second and final lap.
The 90km bike begins with a steady 5km ascent before a fast section all the way to the country’s smallest city, St David’s, with its enthusiastic spectator support. Leaving St David’s there are stunning sea views of the Atlantic Ocean before climbing into Trefin and Mathry and back to St David’s before returning to T2.
The scenic four-lap 21.2km run is along a paved coastal track that includes the town’s breakwater with great sea views.
