Challenge Fortaleza is — at least for very many triathletes — not exactly around the corner. Yet this race turns out to be a true gem, as shown by a beautiful article that recently appeared on triathlete.com. “Challenge Fortaleza is a relaxed, affordable beach town set in a water sports heaven – perfect for mixing family time with triathlon adventures.” You can read that article below.
“One of the greatest aspects of triathlon actually has nothing to do with swimming, biking, or running. It’s the opportunity to race in various locations around the world. That opportunity to learn about different cultures, breathe in a new climate, and experience life as a local is unmatched in many other sports.
“Triathlon doesn’t have to be all work and no play, or something that an athlete does exclusively. There are some great locations that host family-friendly races and have lots of activities in the area, so they can be combined with a vacation or short post-race break.
“One of these is Challenge Fortaleza on the northeast coast of Brazil. It’s a seven-hour flight from Miami and has a great vibe, and beachfront location with ample activities for solo travelers and families alike, whether it’s just for race weekend or for a few days on either side of the event.
“The race offers sprint, middle distance, a Junior Challenge, a 7k run, and more options to cater to a variety of athletes. When a race has fresh coconuts being opened in front of you and served in the recovery area, what is not to love!
“Fortaleza is the capital of the state of Ceará and is famous for kite surfing and other water sports, along with a cultural center and plenty of places to get great food and coffee.
“Another bonus is that the time zone is only a few hours different from many parts of the U.S., which makes travel in both directions pretty easy.
About the Challenge Fortaleza swim
“Challenge Fortaleza features a beach start and an ocean swim, ensuring a magical race send-off as the sun rises. Obviously, ocean conditions can vary, but rock walls protect the beach at either end, helping keep the waters calmer. The race is a straightforward rectangular swim, where athletes swim out, hang a left, and then swim parallel to the beach before turning to come partway back and exiting onto the beach and into T1.
“The beach is also home to water sports – from surfing to SUP to kayaking – giving travelers the chance to take to the water and explore Fortaleza.
Challenge Fortaleza bike course
“Athletes going for a personal record (PR) will love the three-lap bike course. It is relatively flat and fast with coastal views and a Brazilian vibe. With each lap, you’ll get a chance to check your pacing while knowing what lies ahead for the rest of the course.
What to expect during the Challenge Fortaleza run
“Athletes complete three laps along the beachfront, where the local tri clubs offer outstanding support as they blast music while enjoying BBQ and the strong camaraderie of the sport. No athletes are alone during the race as there are hundreds of locals, walking, jogging, and out and about on their weekend.
“Running is what the Brazilians love to do, and every morning, the first thing you’ll see are thousands of locals of all ages and all speeds moving along the beachfront. It’s an inclusive environment where teams and clubs come and set up tents with refreshments daily. The environment is infectious and draws visitors in, wanting to join them”
Full article here.
