Series: Best European Destination Triathlon Races for 2018

By Wires February 20, 2018

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The local and international races in Asia are steadily growing through the years. In fact, as the recent numbers from Ironman’s All World Athletes list, from the time they started awarding it to loyal participants in 2014, the AWA awardees in Asia has jumped 344% to 2018. This shows that Asia is a hotbed as far as growth in the sport. The immediate repercussion is the desire for athletes in the region to seek racing in other parts of the world.

In this series, we will feature the top European destination races for 2018. We start off with…

Challenge Prague

Race Information

Race Date: July 27-28, 2018

Categories:

1. FORD CHALLENGEPRAGUE MIDDLE (time limit 7,5 hours) – Saturday 28/7
  1. Swim – 1.9 km
  2. Bike – 90 km
  3. Run – 21.1 km
2. CHALLENGEPRAGUE RELAYS (2-3 members, time limit 7,5 hours) – Saturday 28/7
  1. Swim – 1.9 km
  2. Bike – 90 km
  3. Run – 21.1 km
3. CHALLENGETRY-ATHLON (time limit 1,5 hours) – Saturday 28/7
  1. Swim – 0.38 km
  2. Bike – 18 km
  3. Run – 4.2 km
4. CHALLENGEJUNIOR (running race for kids and youth from 3 to 15 years) – Friday 27/7
  1. 150 m – birthyears 2010 to 2014
  2. 500 m – birthyears 2006 to 2009
  3. 1000 m – birthyears 2002 to 2005

Background

Prague triathlon started in 2015 under name TRIPrague as the biggest and most spectacular triathlon race in the Czech Republic. In 2017 CHALLENGEPRAGUE was born after joining CHALLENGEFAMILY World Triathlon Series. Its 2nd edition will be held in Prague on 28th July 2018! After successful first year with 1073 participants from 23 countries, 7 live broadcasts in national TV and with the presence of world triathlon stars this year is expected to be even more spectacular. Taking place in one of the most beautiful capital cities in the world, CHALLENGEPRAGUE is surely an amazing and memorable event not only for participants but also for the entire family and friends, with a great variety of activities to choose from.

Course Description

FORD CHALLENGEPRAGUE takes place in Prague – the capital city of Czech Republic. Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is worth to get to know it in person. Visit the Old Town Hall with the famous Prague Astronomical Clock. Relax in cafes enticing you to come and have a seat, taste traditional Czech beer in one of many small pubs or cross the Charles Bridge stretching over the Vltava river. Entire family will definitely enjoy trip to Prague ZOO which is said to be one of the best in Europe.

Each of Prague’s districts has its own characteristic atmosphere, unique charm and genius loci. Prague is a changeable city, which likes to alternate styles: it is romantic and successful, ancient and modern, but above all it is a city that is cosmopolitan and is used to welcoming foreigners from all over the world.

All three disciplines not only of the main race, but also CHALLENGETRY-ATHLON, are happening right in the city center along the Vltava river with transition area located on the bridge. Indisputable advantage is easy accessibility of the whole centrally located venue with all parts placed within short walking distance.

FORD CHALLENGEPRAGUE MIDDLE COURSE DESCRIPTION

Swimming – 1 lap swim takes place in Vltava river around Steelecky island in Prague city centre.
Bike – 2 lap bike course takes the athletes from the transition area located on the Legion Bridge out of historical centre of Prague towards Vrane nad Vltavou direction and back. With ample space for everyone, this is mostly flat and fast course.
Run – 4 lap run is flat and alongside the Vltava river across Rasinovo embankment, Palackeho Bridge and Janackovo embankment, with both paved and asphalted section.

During the race all athletes will pass the most famous Prague historical monuments, such as Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, National Theatre or Vysehrad. Experience the unique atmosphere of international triathlon race in the capital city of the Czech Republic.

Race track will be the most likely the same as in 2017 so you can look at the 3D VIRTUAL COURSE here:

Getting There

One of many Prague nicknames is “the heart of Europe”. It has nothing to do with blood distribution, the reason is its central location. Not far by car for many Europeans, by plane close for everyone. Moreover, it is less than 10 kilometres from Vaclav Havel Airport Prague to the start line of FORD CHALLENGEPRAGUE! Prague is also centrally located in the Czech Republic which makes day trips to Central Bohemian Region easily accessible.

Special accommodation offer for participants: https://www.euroagentur.com/en/ford-challengeprague

Post-Race Activities

Every visitor is stunned by the beauty of this beautiful old city of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. Race course is lined by magnificent monuments such as Prague Castle, Charles Bridge or the National Theatre that is set majestically by the Vltava river overlooking the race transition area. The list of must see historical places is almost endless, so make sure you stay in Prague for a few days to have time to explore it.

What are the must see places when you are here?

The first place you shouldn’t miss is Prague Castle – the most significant symbol of the city. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, it is the largest coherent castle complex in the world. When you are visiting Prague Castle, you definitely should visit monumental St. Vitus Cathedral, picturesque Golden Lane or St. George’s Basilica.

From Prague Castle you can go down to the Vltava river and cross the Charles Bridge. Charles Bridge is Prague’s’ oldest bridge – its construction started in 1357. Bridge connects the Old Town and Lesser Town and is decorated with 30 statues.

Charles Bridge will take you to the Old Town, where your steps should lead to the Old Town Square. There you can see famous Prague Astronomical Clock. Every hour, hundreds of tourists from all over the world gather in front of the Old Town Hall to enjoy a fascinating mechanical performance of 12 wooden statues of the apostles in the clock windows.

If you prefer parks to castles, theatres, churches and cathedrals, we would offer you a trip to Petrin Park. Set at the top of the hill is elegant lookout tower inspired by the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris. After having conquered the 299 steps, a breathtaking view will open out for you over the panorama of the city.

PRAGUE FOR FAMILY

If you come to Prague with your family you definitely shouldn’t forget to visit Prague ZOO – one of the best zoological gardens in Europe. You can make this trip even more interesting and go there by boat going from the city centre. Located right next to the ZOO is also impressive Botanical garden.

National Technical Museum is paradise for everyone who is interested in science and technology. For over a hundred years extensive collections have been assembled here documenting the development of many technical fields, of the natural and exact sciences, and of industry in the territory of today’s Czech Republic.

GASTRONOMY IN PRAGUE

After a long day spent in the city centre, you can visit one of many elegant establishments offering first-class service and wonderful views, or check out a traditional Czech pub with welcoming staff and excellent beer. Do you know that Pilsner – the most popular style of beer in the World was invented in the Czech Republic? It takes its name from Pilsen, a Czech city, where it was produced for the first time in 1842. You can enjoy it in one of many traditional pubs together with unique Czech gastronomy. And what to order in typical Czech pub? It’s simple – goulash or beef in sour cream sauce with dumpling accompanied by Czech beer.

Watch out for the next featured race in this series, here in AsiaTRI.com.