The inaugural CHALLENGEANHUI 2019 was one of the most impressive and magnificent debuts of the CHALLENGEFAMILY race series. With thousands of enthusiastic spectators lining the streets and a breathtaking course through bamboo forests, the race was an unforgettable experience for 1200 athletes from over 20 different countries and left its mark on the international triathlon scene.
A clear philosophy
It was the unbeliveable effort and hospitality of Race Director Kent Wong and the whole organisation team of CHALLENGEANHUI, that provided the best possible race experience for both pro-athletes and age-groupers alike. Kent Wong, who started his working career in banquet service for luxury hotels, had a clear philosophy behind the organisation of CHALLENGEANHUI: „For the organization of this event, my philosophy was to be the restaurant, including waiter service, merchandise, butcher and sou chef and produce a “looks good, smells good and tastes good” gala event to all our customers. All our teams played a vital role in this process, starting with team appetizer (registration/expo) followed by team main course (race course) and culminating with team dessert (finish area), to conduct a unforgettable experience for everybody.“
Inspiration for the local community
With 1,000 volunteers the inaugural event saw a fantastic involvement of the local residents and escpecially students. „We have a deal with schools in Guangde and for the students it was the first time to have an international event in the city. They were very excited and looking forward to meet the pro athletes and expats from other countries!“, said Kent Wong.
30.000 spectators on race day
On race day there were 30.000 spectators lining the streets and cheering for the athletes along the race course and in the stadium. And it was not only the enthusiasm for the race action itself that caught the attention of thousands of spectators. „Many locals were fascinated by the athlete´s equipment: the modern bikes, swimsuits and gadgets were anything but common“, said Kent Wong. Talking to the locals, volunteers and his organising team after the race he could really feel that this day inspired so many to try out the sport of triathlon for themselves. Kent Wong remembers talking to the swim rescue team after the race and he could really feel their excitement: „They want to form a relay team for next year to experience the finish line.
Overcoming misconceptions of China
Since this was the first ever Chinese triathlon race for many international athletes, Kent Wong and his team had the chance to do away many misconceptions of China and create a unique race, that indeed would be unforgettable, especially for the pro-athletes. “Many athletes had a negative image of China, that it was dirty and polluted, for example,” said Wong. “But China has changed so much over the last decade and we were convinced that China – and Anhui province would blow participants away”. And it showed in the pro-athletes reactions after the race. „Racing CHALLENGEANHUI was a phenomenal experience. In many ways, it reminded me of Challenge Roth; the crowds, the atmosphere, the beautiful course and the flawless race organization. I’d go back in a heartbeat”, said Meredith Hill, the female winner of CHALLENGEANHUI. Furthermore, male winner Levi Maxwell added: „CHALLENGEANHUI is one of my favourite race courses with an incredible atmosphere, full road closures, and the local hospitality is second to none!“
Great hospitality
It wasn’t just the race experience itself, that was held so high by the pro-athletes. The way they were welcomed and treated during their whole stay in Anhui was the most outstanding aspect for 3rd place finisher Thomas Davis: „From the moment we arrived, our transfer was waiting and we didn’t have to worry about anything the entire time we where there! From the guided bike- and run-course preview, to the bamboo workshop visit, the organisers really made sure it was an enjoyable trip to China, and being my first time, it was great to experience some of the culture.“
Kent Wong and his team are already looking forward to next years event and creating an even better race, not just for international athletes, but also establishing an international environment and „Home of Triathlon“ for Chinese athletes. „With a population of 350,000, beautiful bamboo forest surroundings, clean and safe roads and friendly locals, I personally feel that the city could become the “Oriental Roth” of the future“, says Kent Wong.
Registration Start: Christmas Break
Additional Distances planned: Kids race and women’s run on Saturday