On September 18, 2013 Challenge Family Triathlon announced that they would be holding their inaugural event in the United States on June 29, 2014 in Atlantic City, New Jersey.  I immediately signed up (I mean immediately, I got the e-mail, clicked on the link and registered).  For me it was a no brainer, but after talking to several people, I discovered that many people think that the only “true” ultra distance triathlon experience comes from Ironman and the World Triathlon Corporation.  So, I thought I would provide some background and my reasons for being so excited about Challenge Atlantic City. 

First the background.  Challenge Family is a global series of 21 long distance triathlons in 13 countries that began in 2002.  Challenge started out in Europe, spread to Asia and Australia and made its North American debut in 2013 with Challenge Penticton, formerly Ironman Canada.  I was able to get to know Challenge better when writing my preview and race wrap up of the women’s race at Challenge Penticton for witsup.com.  Challenge also produces the largest triathlon in the world — Challenge Roth — which includes over 5,000 triathletes and 200,000 spectators.  The race sells out instantaneously and is known as one of the absolute best races in the world. 

Challenge Family is also managed by an actual family, the Walchshöfers, not a hedge fund.  The Walchshöfers began Roth in 1984 and from 1984 to 2001 it was known as Ironman Europe, however, the Walchshöfers split with Ironman after the 2001 event.  In 2002, the Walchshöfers produced the very first Challenge Family event in Roth. Today over 35,000 athletes race with Challenge Family around the world.  Challenge Family races include the oldest race in mainland North America, Challenge Penticton, the oldest race in Europe, Challenge Almere, the oldest race in Asia, Challenge Laguna Phuket and the oldest race in Australia, Challenge Forster.

Challenge Family is known as a premier race production and event company in Europe, Asia and Australia and it was only a matter of time before they expanded into the North American market.  They committed a bit of a coup by snatching Penticton from Ironman in 2012 and now have expanded into the United States.  Challenge Family is the real deal and puts on a top notch, athlete focused event that can compete with Ironman in North America (while Rev 3 has made huge inroads at the 70.3 and Olympic distance, it still does not rival the event atmosphere created by Ironman for the 140.6 distance).  As with anything in life competition is good for the consumer.  So I’m excited about Challenge’s debut in the United States. 

While I think that competition is great, there are some specifics about the Challenge Atlantic City race that get me particularly excited:

The Venue  – Atlantic City is three hours from my house, its easily drivable and there are tons of lodging options.  Makes for a logistically easy event.

The Race Directors  — Challenge picked Robert “Vigo” Vigorito of Columbia Triathlon Association fame and Stephen Del Monte of DelMoSports to lead the Atlantic City race.  These two gentlemen are some of the best in the business.  They put on well organized, safe events that cater to their athletes.  Chapeau to Challenge Family for selecting them. 

The Field Size — Challenge Family is limiting the size of the field to 1500 individual racers and 300 relays (yes, they allow relays).  1800 swimmers at a mass swim start is much safer than 2500 or 3000 or whatever number Ironman will try to cram in during 2014.  Its big enough so that you’re never alone on course but no so big that the swim start becomes dangerous or drafting on the bike gets out of control. 

The Entry Fee —  The entry fee was $575 per entry (its $625 for relays) compared to $625 for Ironman Louisville.  Even better, there was no transaction fee or active.com fee, which makes the race about $150 less expensive than an Ironman race. 

Transfer Policy — Challenge Family has a transfer Policy.  For a $25 administration fee you can transfer your entry to another athlete. 

Withdrawal Policy — This is my FAVORITE part.  In 2012 I was unable to do Ironman New York City because of a separated shoulder and a ruptured IT band.  Ironman offered no refund.  In 2013 I was unable to do Ironman Mont Tremblant because of foot surgery.  Again, Ironman offered no refund (in both cases I was injured after the refund deadline but had I tried to withdraw in a timely manner I would have received only $150 back).  With Challenge you can withdraw up until April 1, 2014 and receive $500 of your $575 entry fee back.  This is awesome!  I don’t think I have ever encountered such a generous withdrawal policy at any other race. 

In my mind all of these things means Challenge is off to a great debut in the American market.  I can’t wait to see what they will have in store for race day and what their next move in North America will be. 

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Kelly Burns Gallagher

mccarter english employment litigator / oiselle team runner / coeur sports triathlete / sonic endurance coach & race director / witsup.com writer / dartmouth '02 / emorylaw '05

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