Selling out in hours with over 8,000 athletes, Asia’s must-do triathlon, Challenge Taiwan, returns this weekend on 27/28 April with an international pro race over the middle distance and a true celebration of age group sport at every age and level.
Last year’s men’s champion, Caleb Noble (AUS) returns looking to successfully defend his title against a 17-strong pro male field but he will have Kiwis Jack Moody and Sam Osborne to contend with, as well as fellow countryman, Kurt McDonald. He’ll also be up against local favourite, Tuan Chun Chang who took third in 2023.
In the women’s race, Els Visser (NED), fresh from her podium finish at T100 Singapore and her Ironman 70.3 Lapu-Lapu victory, is looking to bag her third win of the season following her Challenge Wanaka and Philippines 70.3 success. Of the nine other pro women, Lottie Lucas (UAE) and Nina Derron (SUI) are her closest rivals on paper but anything can happen in the Taiwan heat over 113km. And not to forget Dimity Lee Duke (AUS) who excels in the hot and humid Asian conditions and will be looking to take one step up the podium following her second place last year.
In addition to the pro race, over 8,000 age group athletes will take part in Asia’s largest triathlon festival over the 226km, 113km, standard and sprint distances, as well as more than 1,000 juniors starting their swim, bike, run careers. The event’s theme for 2024, “Shine In EVERY CHALLENGE,” emphasises the luminous presence of every individual in their journey of self-challenge. This year, several families spanning three generations have registered, illustrating that triathlon knows no age limits.
Jovi Lo, CEO of Challenge Family Asia-Pacific, remarked, “As Challenge Taiwan continues year by year, we hope to introduce more Taiwanese elements into the challenge and transform everyone’s support for Challenge Taiwan into continuous progress, expecting to continuously provide the best event experiences. Combining the sweat of triathlon, the enthusiastic support of family and friends, as well as the beauty and culture of Taitung. It is even more exhilarating this time to see three generations of families registering, confirming that triathlon is a sport that can be participated in from the age of 3 to 78.”
Now in its 12th year, Challenge Taiwan, is set in southern Taiwan in Taitung on the Pacific Ocean. The course takes in the best of the spectacular ocean road and tropical rainforests as well as the local culture and that, coupled with one of the sport’s largest expos, its unrivalled atmosphere and Taiwanese welcome, has made Challenge Taiwan one of Asia’s bucket events.
