Atlantic City Announced As First Challenge U.S. Venue Race

Published September 18, 2013 01:14PM

The global long-distance triathlon series Challenge Family has announced Challenge Atlantic City, marking its debut in the United States. The historic seaside resort in New Jersey, with its world-famous Boardwalk and world-class hotels, will host Europe’s leading triathlon series on June 29, 2014. Athletes from across the nation and around the world will compete on the iron-distance (140.6 miles) course.

Athletes will begin the day with a 2.4-mile sheltered swim in the back bays of Atlantic City. Next up is a flat and fast 112-mile bike course that will use portions of the Atlantic City Expressway and country roads throughout Atlantic County featuring vineyards, state forests, riverside towns and historic downtown Hammonton, the blueberry capital of the world. The 26.2-mile flat run course will feature many Atlantic City highlights finishing on the world famous Boardwalk in front of historic Boardwalk Hall.

“The Challenge Family is a global leader of long distance racing and Challenge races around the world are recognized as prestigious international sports events,” Atlantic City Mayor Lorenzo T Langford said in a press release. “Atlantic City hosting the Challenge Family’s first entry into the United States marketplace will further enhance our reputation as a world-class destination. I welcome Challenge Atlantic City and applaud their commitment to our great city.”

Local race directors Robert Vigorito and Stephen Del Monte will oversee the logistics of the race.

“Our goal was to bring an iconic Challenge event to the Jersey Shore,” said Del Monte in the press release. “With the support we are receiving from the City, State, New Jersey Department of Transportation, South Jersey Transportation Authority, ACA and Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, everything is in place for Challenge Atlantic City to become a unique and exceptional athlete and family experience.”

“After 30 years of triathlon event production, the thrill of creating and being a part of an historic event continues,” said Vigorito. “I’m ready and excited!”

“Challenge Atlantic City epitomizes everything Challenge stands for—an outstanding race experience in terms of the course and the local team, memorable spectator experience, a great vacation destination for friends and families of the athletes and a local community that is passionate about partnering with us,” said Challenge Family CEO, Felix Walchshöfer in the announcement about the race. “We are extremely proud to be working with two of the USA’s most respected race directors, Vigo and Stephen. With them, we will introduce an exciting new era of long distance triathlon to the States.”

General entries for the inaugural Challenge Atlantic City on June 29, 2014 open at 9.00am EST on Friday, Sept. 20 at Challengeatlanticcity.com.