Following voting by athletes from around the world, the top Challenge Family races for 2024 have been revealed with today’s announcement of the Challenge Family Awards winners.
The Challenge Family Awards were developed in 2019 to provide recognition to the global team of race directors and teams behind the scenes for all they do for the sport of triathlon through the delivery of their races. The shortlist is decided based on the post-race surveys completed by athletes after each race with the final placings decided by athlete voting.
“We’re incredibly proud of our race teams around the world and the communities that support them,” said Jort Vlam, Challenge Family CEO. “While not every race can win at the Awards, we recognise the commitment and dedication in each of them. Every race lives by our mantra, ‘All About The Athlete’ and we all look forward to welcoming athletes to another successful Challenge Family season in 2025.”
The winners of the Challenge Family Race Awards 2024 are:
Race of the Year – Challenge Peguera-Mallorca, Spain – the spectacular course, the vibrant atmosphere, world-class organisation and island setting make for an unforgettable triathlon experience
Best Race Venue – The Championship, Slovakia – held at the x-bionic sphere in Šamorín. This Olympic training centre has unrivalled sports facilities, combined with luxury on-site accommodation and amazing bars and restaurants
Best New Race – Challenge Xiamen, China – with its fully closed course, coastal cycle and running route and stunning backdrop, thousands of athletes voted with their feet supporting Challenge Family’s newest race
Best Swim – The Championship, Slovakia – perfect for athletes and spectators alike, this point-to-point-swim in crystal clear canal waters takes this award for the second year in a row
Best Bike – Challenge Salou, Spain – the course for a personal best, it’s fast and rolling, combining closed highways with palm-tree-lined city roads
Best Run – Challenge Almere-Amsterdam, The Netherlands – centered around Weerwater in the heart of Almere, the totally flat course is a mix of paths, boardwalks, modern architecture and park settings
Best Finish Line Party – Challenge Peguera-Mallorca, Spain – from the minute the first athlete crosses the line to when the DJ plays his last track at the beachfront after party, this finish line is pumping with an unrivalled atmosphere
Best Fans – DATEV Challenge Roth, Germany – the Roth fans need no introduction, with over a quarter of a million of them lining the course and in the finish line stadium, they are known for their passionate support
Best Pasta Party – Challenge Peguera-Mallorca, Spain – a Pasta Party with a difference, involving the best local restaurants to get a true flavour of the gourmet delights on offer
Best After Race Food – DATEV Challenge Roth, Germany – it’s a true smorgasbord of food to suit every taste imaginable after 226km of swim, bike, run
Best Video Content – DATEV Challenge Roth, Germany – from the beautifully emotive race videos throughout the year, to the regular updates for the athletes, delivered personally by race director, Felix Walchshöfer, there’s plenty to be inspired by
Most Eco Friendly – Challenge Wānaka, New Zealand – initiatives include waste and recycling stations are provided at all aid stations, perishable rubbish is given to the worm farm. Athletes to carry their own cups (provided free of charge) which they will be able to fill up from water vats at the aid stations and corporate teams get prizes of trees that are planted on the run course.
Most Family Friendly – Challenge Kaiserwinkl-Walchsee, Austria – winning for the second year in a row, with so many different races over the weekend, there’s an event for all the family, plus it’s a stunning location for a family holiday with plenty to do pre and post-race
For further information about the winning races, and all Challenge Family races, visit www.challengefamily.com/races.
