After the great news that Regensburg is to host the 2018 ETU Challenge Long Distance Triathlon Championships, we are able to release the much-awaited news that in 2017, the long distance action moves to one of the most famous and long-running events in the world.
Challenge Family Press Release:
The European Triathlon Union (ETU) and CHALLENGEFAMILY have today announced that they will work together to deliver the 2017 Long Distance Triathlon European Championship at CHALLENGEALMERE-AMSTERDAM on September 9, 2017. A highly rated event among athletes Almere has long been a fantastic host for numerous Championship events.
'After the success of the European Championship in 2014 we are delighted that we can host this championship again in 2017. Our team and volunteers will do everything to create a life-time experience for our participants,” said race director, Richard Belderok.
ETU President, Renato Bertrandi expressed delight that once more our athletes will benefit from the “Almere Experience”.
“There can be few athletes who have not heard of this race. Diaries should be noted for 9th September, 2017. This event, held every year since 1983 is the second-oldest triathlon in the world. Only Hawaii is older. As a tried and tested venue, Almere has hosted five European Championships (1985, 1991, 1999, 2006 and 2014) and two World Championships (2003 and 2008). The course record, set by Jan van der Marel, of 7:57:46 in 1999, still stands. The race is one of the most unique in the World where athletes will be racing at 4.5m below sea level on land reclaimed from the Zuidersee, which makes it the lowest triathlon in Europe. Course enhancements made in 2012 sees the start and finish locations right in the city centre. The swim, bike and run courses all start and finish on the Esplanade. A great event for our athletes to go long,”
Zibi Szlufcik, CEO of CHALLENGEFAMILY welcomed the opportunity to once again showcase an incredible CHALLENGEFAMILY race to the World.
“To announce the Long Distance ETU European Championship at the wonderful venue of Challenge Almere Amsterdam is sheer pleasure. This race is one of the most iconic events in the World with a seamless race organization, excellent race operations team and a true athlete first approach. This partnership fuels our fantastic working relationship with the ETU and we couldn’t ask for a better stage to celebrate this relationship on than in the city of Almere in the wonderful region of Flevoland. I would also like to thank the city of Almere, the Dutch Triathlon Federation, event sponsors, partners, media, volunteers and most of all the athletes competing for the European Champion titles.'
More than 2,7000 athletes participated in the 2016 edition of CHALLENGEALMERE-AMSTERDAM. Located just 20 minutes from Amsterdam more than 40,000 spectators line the 3.8m swim, 180km bike and 42.2km run courses. Athletes can register now for the 2017 Long Distance Triathlon European Championship at the CHALLENGEALMERE-AMSTERDAM website at www.challenge-almere.com/
Media enquiries should be directed to Jessica Peter, CHALLENGEFAMILY Marketing and Communications via email Jessica@challenge-family.com.
Kona is older but Almere is flatter but don’t let that flat course lure you into the false impression that it is an easy course to get a personal best. In Almere there is no place to hide but everywhere to enjoy the wonderful reception from the local volunteers who will work hard to make sure you get around the full-distance.
For those of you who have raced here before, we look forwards to seeing you come again to perhaps improve on your previous times. For those who are considering going long, then you could not choose a better event. Almere is so easy to get to. If you are flying in then Schiphol then you have a drive of just over 30 minutes along easy motorways. By train from Schiphol, again about 30 – 45 minutes. At just over 46km, you could even cycle it along the integrated cycle-paths that the Netherlands is so famous for.
Easy to get to, tried and tested. Get your diary noted for September 9th 2017.