A new Challenge Event in North America on a course that is set in the idyllic Maritime Province of New Brunswick, Canada. Opportunities abound for athletes and their families in the historic Seaside community of St. Andrews-by-the-Sea. Challenge St. Andrews is a HALF distance race (2 km swim, 90 km bike, 21 km run) on a course surrounded by the Bay of Fundy.
Mirinda Carfrae and Timothy O’Donnell will be racing in Challenge St. Andrews. Carfrae, who won the Hawaii Ironman World Championships for the second time this past October, will take part in events over the weekend with her husband Timothy O’Donnell who is the Ironman Brazil Champion and the top American finisher in Hawaii last year with his 5th place overall.
Carfrae commented, “I can’t wait to experience a new full distance race on the East Coast and welcome Challenge to North America. Both St Andrews and Atlantic City are new travel destinations for me. Although I won’t be going the distance in Atlantic City I’ll participate in the Challenge Aquabike soaking in the fast and flat bike course through vineyards and miles of blueberry fields as well as finishing on the historic boardwalk of Atlantic City. This format will allow me to cheer athletes on the run and the finish line. I’ll be racing the following weekend at Challenge St Andrews and looking forward to enjoying the hospitality and charm of this quaint seaside village located on the southern tip of New Brunswick.”
O’Donnell echoed Carfrae’s enthusiasm. “I’m excited to be on the starting line for both new Challenge Family events this summer. The venues of Atlantic City, NJ and St. Andrews, NB look like ideal race destinations. I’m honored to be racing in Atlantic City as part of a relay team, and then going for the win the following weekend in picturesque New Brunswick, Canada. With Challenge’s superb reputation for a great race experience, I know these inaugural events will be memorable for all the participants and their families!”
4 time World Champion and Hawaii Ironman World Champion, Karen Smyers, will be racing in St. Andrews www.karensmyers.com. Karen Smyers is a cancer survivor and legend in the sport of triathlon. She will be hosting a workshop titled "ACE YOUR RACE" on Friday of race weekend where athletes will have the opportunity to swim with Karen, get tips on biking and run with one of the triathlon greats. Tickets will be limited.
Canada’s Olympic Gold and Silver medalist, Simon Whitfield, will be appearing at the inaugural event in St. Andrews, New Brunswick. Whitfield, who won gold in Sydney in 2000 and silver in Beijing, will be participating in a variety of activities throughout race weekend including a Junior Athlete Workshop and the Challenge St. Andrews Kids races. Challenge
St. Andrews race organizers stated today “ We are absolutely thrilled to have Simon with us for our inaugural Challenge event. Every triathlete in Canada remembers his Gold medal sprint finish in the 2000 Olympics and he has been an inspiration for us throughout his years in the sport. This is an amazing opportunity for all us of in the Challenge Family to have such a class act with us for our first Challenge St. Andrews.”