Challenge Bahrain Announces Initial Start List

The structure of the world’s largest half distance prize purse was revealed today by Challenge Bahrain, along with the announcement of some of the sport’s most respected athletes racing at the event on December 6 this year.

Ironman world champions Mirinda Carfrae and Pete Jacobs, both of Australia, have confirmed spots on the Challenge Bahrain start line, along with 2013 Challenge Roth champions Dirk Bockel (LUX) and Caroline Steffen (SUI) and last year’s Kona runner-up Rachel Joyce. Two-time Ironman 70.3 world champion Sebastian Kienle (GER) will also join this elite group, all with eyes on the record-breaking $500,000 prize purse.

“I’m excited to be a part of this new standard of racing that sees Challenge Bahrain setting a very high benchmark,” said Pete Jacobs. “This is a huge boost to the sport of triathlon and I’m really excited to be part of history in the making, not only as a professional athlete, but as a big fan of classic triathlon races, this will be one to remember. The hype surrounding this race is already legendary, from the prize money, to the location, the projected class of professional starters, to the passion behind those putting this event on and the reasons and vision that they have to change a sport, a country, and people’s perceptions. I can’t wait to be there for the inaugural Challenge Bahrain!”

The Challenge Bahrain prize purse is evenly split between men and women.

Winner – $100,000
2nd – 50,000
3rd – 25,000
4th – 12,000
5th – 8,000
6th – 7,000
7th – 6,000
8th – 5,000
9th – 4,000
10th – 3,000

Learn more at Challenge-Bahrain.com.bh and read the complete press release here.