Dating back to 268BC, Rimini is one of Italy’s most popular beach resorts with its kilometres of sandy beaches, ancient Roman history and vibrant cultural scene making it an ideal place for a holiday as well as a race.
It is this all-inclusive character, combined with the potential for an outstanding half-distance course, which led Challenge Family to form a partnership with Triathlon Duathlon SGR Rimini and Adria Congrex to make Challenge Rimini a reality.
In keeping with Challenge’s focus on athlete experience, the Challenge Rimini course is designed to include the best of this spectacular region and promises to be one of the most cultural half distance courses in the world.
Starting in the seaside resort of Rimini, made famous by renowned film maker Federico Fillini, the warm waters of the Adriatic Sea will host the 1.9km swim following which the 90km bike course will head high into the hills surrounding Rimini along roads built by the great Roman emperors.
Travelling through the Emilia Romagna Apennines, an area renowned for its stunning landscapes and many fortresses and castles, the course visits the historic towns of Coriano, Montegrimano, Monte Cerignone and Montescudo before heading back down to the Riviera.
The 21km run is a three-lap course along Rimini’s famous promenade, lined with bars, shops and restaurants and a crowd of thousands before finishing in the shaded beauty of Parco Fellini.
Such is the appeal of the course that multiple world champion, Chris ‘Macca’ McCormack has already announced his intentions to race at the inaugural Challenge Rimini.
“Challenge Rimini fits perfectly into my race schedule and who can go past the opportunity to race in such a beautiful part of the world?” he said. “It’s great the organisers have embraced their heritage and translated it into what I’m sure will become one of the iconic half distances in Europe.”
Entries for Challenge Rimini are open from 1 December 2012. Details are available from www.challenge-rimini.it.
