Challenge Philippines 2014 | A Course Walkthrough | Now, We’re Officially Excited!
It’s no secret that we will be officially on a sabbatical (racing wise) for the coming 2014 season, but as with any triathlete, it didn’t take much prodding to convince us, to delay our break, and race one more time.
Actually, our spidey sense tingled as soon as we saw this…
Right there and then, we knew. There’s no way we’re going to miss this race.
Let’s face it, Challenge Philippines 2014 is slowly starting to get the reputation as one of the toughest triathlons in the country. A factor which, based on feedback on the site, is scaring most newbies away. As with any triathlete who has raced in Subic before, the mere mention of words “Ocean Adventure” alone is enough to make your legs cramp and make your mind start thinking of shifting to granny gear!
But hey, as the name says, it’s Challenge right? So, it should be challenging! But is it? Actually, it’s not.
Click here to view images of the Challenge Philippines 2014 Press Tour.
Here’s a complete walkthrough of the Challenge Philippines 2014 race course and the goodies that awaits each participant.
Challenge PH’s Swim Course is set to take athletes to the white sand beaches of the Camayan Beach Resort, which ventures into Ilanin Bay, its waters filled with protected marine life forms. Athletes will be able sight-see as they compete amidst a colourful backdrop decorated with an abundance of tropical fish, reefs, a bed of giant sea clams, and two historic shipwrecks.
A new and exclusive course, the Bike Course showcases a wealth of greenery as athletes bike their way through picturesque, tree-lined roads. Athletes exit T1 in Adventure Beach into the village of Morong, and bike through historic Bataan. Speedy downhill descents take bikers through a coastal loop around Subic International Airport and Subic Bay, until the course heads back towards T2 and Ocean Adventure. Although most of the course is on smooth roads, Challenge PH recommends using 24-28 tooth rear cassettes to ease the difficulty of hill climbs and durable tires for the occasional rough patches.
The Run Course, like the Bike Course, will take athletes to a place that no one has raced before: the Ilanin Forest Reserve. As the final course in the triathlon, the beautiful and peaceful course will bring relaxation for the runners. The Ilanin Forest Reserve goes from paved roads to a rare and exciting triple canopy run. Apart from beautifully lined trees, cheering areas are stationed along the course so friends, family and even spectators can watch athletes make a great finish.
The tri course spans an area of 113 km: 1.9 K for the Swim Course, 90 K for the Bike Course, and 21 K for the Run Course.
“Challenge Philippines is shaping up to be the country’s most anticipated triathlon competition, offering finishers not only bragging rights for winning against the best in the world, but also cash prizes worth over P2 million,” Voth notes. “Racing with the world’s best who are competing for one of the largest paydays in the sport will truly add to that once in a lifetime experience.”
Challenge Philippines offers Male Elite and Female Elite Top 10 finishers cash, trophies, and gift packs. Meanwhile, Philippine national team members, male and female; as well as, elite team members from countries in the SEA region are eligible to compete in the Southeast Asia (SEA) Elite Top 3. Special cash prizes will also be given to Fastest AG Split, male and female categories in Swim, Bike, and Run; as well as highest Team points for the top 3 teams.
A special treat awaits one lucky participant in a raffle draw for a free entry to Challenge Roth which includes round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations, and New Balance racer gear.
All participants will receive a finisher medal, certificate, and goodie bags which includes a shirt, water bottle, gift voucher, sponsor swag, special discounts and other free gifts; along with a Challenge Philippines membership car that offers exclusive discounts, free gear and benefits at multiple food and beverage, hospitality and retail outlets.
With top athletes from around the region expected to join the triathlon, finishers will not only earn bragging rights for winning against the best in the world, but also cash prizes worth over P2 million. For more information about Challenge Philippines, log on to www.challengephilippines.com.ph.
Still not convinced? Here are 11 more reasons why!