Famous international professional athletes will be testing themselves in the first Malaysian Challenge Family race at Iskandar Puteri, Johor on Aug 13.

The race is a part of a bigger project aimed at promoting sports and healthy lifestyle in the area. Iskandar Puteri, strategically located between Johor Baru and Singapore, is considered by the Challenge Series to be one of the best locations for a triathlon in South-East Asia.

Flagging off from the beautiful venue of Puteri Harbour, the main triathlon features a 1.9km swim, 90km of cycling, and 21km of running, and the event will also feature a race for young triathletes aged between six and 18.

“We are thrilled to be part of the inaugural Challenge race in Iskandar Puteri. The efforts put in to bring the race to Malaysia demonstrates our strong support and dedication to sporting brilliance,” said Datuk Izzaddin Idris, executive director of UEM Sunrise.

Some of the world’s top professional triathletes will compete for the Euro 25,000 purse prize including Chris McCormack of Australia, Cameron Brown of New Zealand and current champion Dylan McNeice.

“The Challenge Iskandar Puteri is going to be a great race for both the professionals and amateurs especially with the race being in such a great location,” said Chris McCormack, 4 time Triathlon World champion.

Since the Challenge series started in 2002, it has grown to include 44 races across 21 countries. A Challenge High Performance Forum will also be held during the event where top professional athletes led by Belinda Granger will exchange their views on topics such as diet, training and peak-planning for professional and amateur Triathletes. Many recreational activities will also be held to keep kids and families entertained.

For more info follow Challenge Iskandar Puteri on Facebook or visit the website.