Following on the heels of an immensely successful first-year event, the Challenge Taiwan (3.8-km swim, 180-km bike, 42-km run) and Challenge Taiwan Half (1.9-km swim, 90-km bike, 21-km run) triathlons will take place on April 19, 2014 in Taitung, Taiwan.

Registration for the events will open to the public on July 6, 2013 with a limited number of early bird entries available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Challenge TaiwanChallenge Taiwan
(Photo: Challenge Family; click to enlarge)

"We held a fantastic first ever Challenge Family event in Asia on May 4, 2013," said Challenge Taiwan's managing director Michael Dhulst, "with athletes from throughout the Asia-Pacific region and across the globe enjoying the energy and ambience of our inaugural competition. The turnout and support of these athletes–including a record number of top international professionals, most notably our champions New Zealander Dylan McNeice and Australian Belinda Granger–was astounding. Since the event we've been hard at work collecting feedback and making every effort to create an even bigger and better triathlon experience for all our athletes and the local community next year!"

The Challenge Taiwan triathlons take place in the southeastern municipality of Taitung, a quick one-hour flight from Taipei. Competitors swim in the crystal clear and calm waters of Flowing Lake, cycle an undulating course framed by the soaring Carp Mountains and the spectacular Pacific coastline and run through an always-interesting mixture of tropical orchards, rice paddies, parkland, artistic sculpture gardens and cityscape. Taitung is well-known as Taiwan's endurance paradise, with broad bike lanes featured on every roadway and abundant outdoor activities available to the city's sport-loving population and visitors alike.

"I've always enjoyed racing in Asia," said inaugural women's champion and Challenge Family ambassador Belinda Granger, "but Challenge Taiwan is a gem among gems. From the course itself to the welcoming community of Taitung to the devoted race staff and their unbelievable attention to detail, I can't say enough good things about the race. It's absolutely a bucket list event for anyone passionate about the sport!"

Challenge Taiwan's new and improved website (www.challenge-tawain.com) will launch on July 1, 2013 with registration for the 2014 events opening on July 6th. Registration procedures have been streamlined to include the following:

  • The first 700 athletes to register for either Challenge Taiwan or Challenge Taiwan Half will enjoy special early bird rates:
  • Challenge Taiwan: Individual $445 USD, Relay $595 USD
  • Challenge Taiwan Half: Individual $225 USD, Relay $345 USD
  • Once 700 early bird athletes have registered, standard rates will apply:
  • Challenge Taiwan: Individual $495 USD, Relay $695 USD
  • Challenge Taiwan Half: Individual $275 USD, Relay $395 USD
  • Total registrations will be limited to 1,200 entries to ensure the world-class quality and safety of the event.
  • Challenge Taiwan will continue the tradition of offering a Taiwan Champion's Division for both the full and half distance races. Qualification will be based on an athlete's estimated swim time, required during online registration.

Challenge Taiwan 2014 will also offer more accommodation options and travel packages, to be announced soon on the event website.

For more information visit www.challenge-taiwan.com, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., follow on Twitter @ChallengeTaiwan or like on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ChallengeTaiwan.