It was three years in the planning, but the debut of The Championship (www.thechampionship.de) from Challenge Family in 2017 was widely regarded as one of the best new events of the 2017 season. Having two great Pro races – won by Lionel Sanders and Lucy Charles – was a significant contributor towards that, along with a venue which I think impressed everyone that was there. The x-bionic® sphere in Samorin, Slovakia, was certainly a great host.
For 2018 Challenge will be developing the event further around their ‘family’ theme, with a range of events alongside the marquee Middle Distance event. Want to race in the Middle Distance? Here’s how to qualify.
CHALLENGEFAMILY’s THECHAMPIONSHIP 2018 will showcase a new experience not just for the pros – but for the entire family…
CHALLENGEFAMILY’s THECHAMPIONSHIP 2018 has announced that a variety of entertaining and innovative side events will be showcased at the flagship race in Samorin, Slovakia, further positioning CHALLENGEFAMILY as the race series for the whole triathlon family.
THECHAMPIONSHIP 2018 will take place June 2nd – 3rd 2018 (side events taking place on June 2nd 2018 and the middle distance triathlon will take place on the June 3rd). The stunning x-bionic® sphere in Samorin will again welcome thousands of visitors from around the world and the highly regarded event will be an occasion for triathletes to enjoy, no matter the age or experience.
Additionally, those wishing to cheer and support rather than race will be able to do so from the comfort and surroundings of the Triathlon Expo, which will be in a central position next to the running course.
“At CHALLENGEFAMILY, we strive to continually deliver a high standard of fair racing for the athletes taking part. We are inclusive and all about the athlete,” says Zibi Szlufcik, CEO of CHALLENGEFAMILY – “However, we have an equally strong focus on creating a memorable spectator experience for all, and create events that all triathletes can enjoy”
Competitors will be offered the following side events on 2nd June, with many more in the pipeline:
- Tryathlon – 300 metre swim, 15km cycle and 3km run
- Olympic distance
- Olympic relay
- Kids running races for all ages
- Triathlon expo located in a central position next to run course will be open from Thursday afternoon until Sunday with a large range of all kinds of sport and triathlon products.
Covering a total of 1 million square metres, the remarkable x-bionic® sphere, which last year became Slovakia’s official Olympic training centre, will play host to both the Championship middle-distance race as well as its many side events. The unique, multipurpose complex boasts features such as a hotel, restaurants, 50m outdoor and 25m indoor pools, three pools for children, four water slides, the x-bionic® equestor sphere – a paradise for horses and horse lovers, and an athletics stadium.
Sebastian Kienle (GER), who finished in second place at THECHAMPIONSHIP 2017, says of the side events: “Racing at this year’s event was an unbelievable experience, and the family-friendly side events absolutely contributed to the electric atmosphere throughout. What is fantastic about CHALLENGEFAMILY races is that they take into account not only the pro athletes, but the whole triathlon community, so they can be enjoyed by both the competitors and spectators alike.”
With the display of side events set to captivate and incorporate the entire family into the racing spirit, THECHAMPIONSHIP 2018 is set to give visitors the ultimate triathlon experience.
There are a further nine races in which competitors can qualify for the event in Samorin, with the next race, CHALLENGEWANAKA, taking place 17th February 2018 in Wanaka, New Zealand.
For more information and updates on the THECHAMPIONSHIP 2018, please visit: www.thechampionship.de
For more information on individual CHALLENGEFAMILY qualifier races and how to enter, please visit: http://www.challenge-family.com/category/races/