Challenge Series Adds UK Race

The Challenge Series, one of the world’s most popular triathlon series, has announced the addition of a new race. The Challenge Henly-on-Thames race will be an iron-distance race taking place in the middle of September in 2011.

See the press release below for more:

The Challenge Family has welcomed the 10th race to its global triathlon series with the addition of a long-course race in the picturesque English town of Henley-on-Thames.

The race is set for September 18, 2011 over the full long-course distance of a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42.2km run. Located on the north side of the scenic River Thames in Oxfordshire, Henley-on-Thames was founded in the 12th century and is known as one of the region’s loveliest towns, with flower-filled gardens, quaint shops, waterfront pubs and places of historic interest.

“It is often called the jewel in Oxfordshire’s crown,” said Alan Rose, managing director of Just Racing and race director of Challenge Henley-on-Thames. “This picturesque and delightful community is also on the edge of the Chilterns, a beautiful area in its own right.

Challenge Henley-on-Thames is the culmination of nearly a year’s work to secure the required permissions, including road closures. And picturesque though it may be, the bike course especially will challenge athletes with its 7,000 feet of climbing through the Chiltern Hills.

“We are really pleased to welcome Henley-on-Thames into the series,” said Challenge Family CEO Felix Walchshöfer. “UK athletes are always very well represented in our series, usually the first or second largest nationality on our start lists after the local athletes. With such a loyal base in the UK, we’re delighted to be able to bring the Challenge brand to them.”

Entries will be available at midday on Tuesday, 21st September 2010. Entry fees for individual competitors will be 300 pounds, with relay team entries available for 400 pounds.

“Felix and his family, along with the whole Challenge family, have made us feel extremely welcome and we can’t wait to be delivering what will hopefully be a positive UK addition to the worldwide Challenge family,” Rose said. “We have been so impressed with the way that the organisers work together, with a real sense of belonging to something much bigger than your own race.”

“All of our team are active athletes and include a full range of ability,” said Rose. “Ten of our team will be competing at Roth 2011, as well as taking on many other challenges along the way.”

About the course:
The swim will take place on the world famous Royal Regatta Rowing course, swimming towards Henley town centre/bridge and then returning back to the Henley Business School.

The two-lap bike course will take in some 7,000 feet (2100m) of climbing in the Chiltern Hills. Competitors will have the chance to test both their climbing and descending skills and pass through typical English villages on the journey.

The four-lap run course will take athletes over Henley Bridge, around the lanes in Remenham, past Hambledon Lock and Temple Island as they return on the Thames path alongside the river, back over Henley bridge. The course also takes runners past a variety of rowing clubs, including the world famous Leander Rowing Club.

The finish will be at the Henley Rugby Club.

For more information, visit Challengehenley.com