Search
shop

PTO announces $1million World Championship at Challenge Daytona

$1,000,000. That's the prize purse just announced by the Professional Triathletes Organisation, for the first PTO Middle Distance World Championship.
Chief Correspondent
Last updated -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

Advertisement

PTO announces the triathlon’s first million dollar race…

… and it’s set to take place a week after the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship

Interesting. I think I’ve probably used that word many times over in relation while following the developments and announcements from the Professional Triathletes Organisation over the past 12 months. Well, more ‘interesting’ news today.

Just a week after the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships (Taupo, New Zealand – total Pro prize purse $250,000), at Challenge Daytona they will be holding the ‘PTO Middle Distance World Championship‘, with a total Pro prize purse of $1,000,000).

Lots to consider about this news… but before I do that, below is the full announcement from the Professional Triathletes Organisation.


CHALLENGENORTHAMERICA, USA TRIATHLON AND THE PROFESSIONAL TRIATHLETES ORGANISATION TO PARTNER AT ICONIC CHALLENGEDAYTONA RACE IN DECEMBER

Event to feature an array of age-group races and a PTO Middle Distance World Championship with a prize purse of $1,000,000

It was announced today that USA Triathlon and the Professional Triathletes Organisation have joined forces with CHALLENGENORTHAMERICA to be part of its iconic CHALLENGEDAYTONA race at Daytona International Speedway on December 4th, 5th and 6th.  The three-day triathlon festival will attract athletes from around the world to compete at the “World Center of Racing®” and will feature an array of different events, including age-grouper sprint and middle-distance events, junior challenges, a Pro-Am relay and will culminate with a PTO Middle Distance World Championship Race with a $1,000,000 prize purse for the world’s top professional triathletes.

PTO / Challenge Daytona / USA Triathlon

William Christy, CEO of CHALLENGENORTHAMERICA shares, “In often a divided world, triathlon has been a unifying force for athletes across the globe. We come together to compete as a family of global athletes. The global pandemic has displaced athletes and cancelled races and now more than ever, our world needs to unite. Our festival allows us to cheer and compete for a shared cause.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our daily lives and routines in dramatic ways. As we adjust and adapt to these changing circumstances, we also know that our entire multisport community is eagerly awaiting the day we can safely and responsibly race again,” said Rocky Harris, USA Triathlon CEO. “USA Triathlon is proud to support CHALLENGENORTHAMERICA and the PTO by sanctioning a world-class event in December that will showcase the camaraderie of our sport.”

Charles Adamo, PTO Chairman, stated “The PTO is pleased to be able to work with the USA Triathlon and CHALLENGEDAYTONA to support the triathlon community to provide race opportunities for athletes. Since many professional events have been cancelled and some races rescheduled without a professional prize purse, the PTO is committing $1,000,000 of prize money for the PTO Middle Distance World Championship.”

In addition, the PTO Championships on December 6th, the CHALLENGEDAYTONA Festival weekend will include a wide array of events catering to athletes of all ages and abilities. The event weekend is anticipated to host the following events:

  • PTO Middle Distance World Championships
  • Sprint and Middle-Distance Triathlons
  • Junior Challenge kids’ race
  • Pro Am Relay Race
  • 5K/10K run/walk events
  • Relay categories
  • Duathlon and Aquabike events

The top six male and female finishers in each Middle-Distance Triathlon age group will qualify for entry in THECHAMPIONSHIP, to be held in May 2021 at the x-bionic sphere in Samorin, Slovakia.

Zibi Szlufcik, CHALLENGEFAMILY President of the Board, commented, “While there is still uncertainty associated with the effects of the global pandemic, we know that planning, preparation and hope must continue for the triathlon community. Our teams are busy making the necessary preparations for what we all hope will be a tribute to our sport.”

John Levison
Written by
John Levison
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.
Discover more
Dave Ellis / Luke Pollard - World Para Triathlon Championships Pontevedra 2023
Golden opportunity – British Triathlon launches search for LA2028 paratriathlon guides
IRONMAN Lanzarote 2024 - Anne Haug on run course
Best marathon shoes for Ironman – the ‘legal’ super shoes you CAN wear to level up your run split
Challenge Sanremo 2024 - Photo: Jose Luis Hourcade
How to fuel your triathlon training: Expert nutritionist tips to help you nail every session
swim start IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2024 photo credit Tony Svensson IRONMAN
Level up your Ironman swim split – must-read tips from an expert swim coach
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
latest News
Taylor Knibb 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Taupo New Zealand
US triathlon phenom Taylor Knibb hails great rival Kat Matthews for record-breaking IRONMAN Texas win
Richard Varga Jonny Brownlee Arzachena
Triathlon legend Jonny Brownlee reveals ‘Last Dance’ motivation behind latest challenge
IRONMAN Kona 2022 Age Group Results
How will “re-imagined” IRONMAN World Championship at Kona actually look for Age Groupers?
Lucy Charles-Barclay IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2023 Finish
IRONMAN World Championship goes ALL IN on Kona again with men and women to race on same day from 2026
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
Nice gets consolation prize of 70.3 Worlds after IRONMAN World Championships return to Kona
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...