Challenge Family heads to Chile and Puerto Varas

Puerto Varas in southern Chile was announced this week as the home of CHALLENGEFAMILY’s latest middle-distance triathlon. 

Based in truly stunning surroundings, CHALLENGEPUERTOVARAS will take place on Sunday March 20, 2022 in the picturesque lakeside town with its iconic views.

Challenge Family expands in South America

Puerto Varas is also known as ‘la ciudad de las rosas’ or ‘the city of roses’ and is one of the most beautiful cities in Chile. Settled by German immigrants in the 1850s, the German influence continues to this day, creating a unique combination with the South American culture. It is also a popular adventure tourism destination, and its spectacular landscapes make it the perfect setting for CHALLENGEFAMILY’s latest race.

“Organising and producing triathlons has been my passion for over 12 years with more than 200 events. But organising and directing Challenge Puerto Varas will no doubt be the highlight of my career,” said race director, Juan Carlos Olavarría. “You have to come and experience the course and the setting to realise just how remarkable it is, plus the community here in Puerto Varas will ensure athletes have a race experience to remember – the atmosphere will be amazing!”

“We are looking forward to expanding our race offering for athletes in South America and what better destination than one of Chile’s most popular holiday locations,” said CHALLENGEFAMILY CEO, Jort Vlam. “The terrain with its unforgettable views is perfect for a middle distance race and we are very fortunate to work with the experienced Juan Carlos and his team. I have no doubt Challenge Puerto Varas is set to become a classic on the South American triathlon circuit. It’s also a really nice coincidence that, given Challenge Family’s German roots, Puerto Varas also has a strong German heritage, even though it couldn’t be further from Europe!”

Former Olympian and Chilean triathlete, Felipe Van de Wyngard, is looking forward to racing in March on his home turf. “Puerto Varas is a wonderful city for sports and tourism, for sure one of the best places I can think of in Chile for the inaugural Challenge Family race in Chile. I can’t wait to race there!” he said.

His thoughts are echoed by former pro, Valentina Carvallo, “Chile has many unique and magical places that people aren’t aware of and this is why Puerto Varas, the Llanquihue Lake, and the magnificent volcanoes are a great setting,” she said. “I hope Challenge Family events leave a legacy that inspire more and more people to choose sport as a lifestyle, especially in our region and communities.”

The Course

The 113km race starts with a one-lap swim in the calm waters of Lake Llanquihue, dominated by the towering snow-capped peak of Osorno Volcano.

The one lap out-and-back 90km bike heads along the southern shoreline of Lake Llanquihue. Despite a 1,000m vertical gain, it is a fast and rolling course and has spectacular mountain views.

The run course is three loops, the first part of each loop goes along the lake before returning through the heritage area of downtown Puerto Varas, finishing in the heart of the town with a great atmosphere and lots of crowd support.