Atlantic City, NJ will be the home of the recently announced Challenge Family USA race and the inaugural event will take place on June 29, 2014. That should now put speculations and wishful thinking to rest.
A few weeks back we learned that the event would be somewhere in the Mid-Atlantic region and famed race directors Robert "Vigo" Vigorito of Columbia Triathlon Association fame and Stephen Del Monte of DelMoSports were tasked to run this race. But because the actual city and state were not yet revealed, that allowed folks to guess where the new Challenge race might possibly be. Some folks indeed pointed to Atlantic City, NJ - but the majority of folks seemed convinced that the Eastern Shore of Maryland would be the perfect and thus the chosen location.
But it is indeed Atlantic City, NJ and according to the Challenge folks athletes will start their day with a 2.4 mile sheltered swim in the back bays of Atlantic City and then embark on 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 and riverside towns. 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 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," said Mayor Lorenzo T Langford of Atlantic City.
The 2 race directors seemed equally excited and thrilled about this newest long distance race in the USA.
"Our goal was to bring an iconic Challenge event to the Jersey Shore," said Del Monte. "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!"
General entries for the inaugural Challenge Atlantic City on June 29, 2014 open at 9.00am EST on Friday, September 20 at www.challengeatlanticcity.com.
Below is an image of Challenge CEO Felix Felix Walchshöfer with Robert Vigorito.
