Doñana Challenge, a new competition concept

The Minister of Tourism, Commerce and Sports, Luciano Alonso, highlighted yesterday in Sanlúcar de Barrameda (Cádiz) the relevance of the Doñana Challenge as "a new concept of competition created in Andalusia and that constitutes a benchmark for the necessary union between tourism, sport and nature". The third edition of this long-distance triathlon organized by the Board will be held on Saturday, September 17 and will run through the provinces of Cádiz and Huelva, crossing the Doñana National Park, starting in Sanlúcar de Barrameda and finishing at Matalascañas beach , in the municipality of Almonte. During the presentation of the event, Luciano Alonso recalled that the Board has opted for a "new management model for this type of event, based on the creation of international competitions that contribute to the dissemination of the powerful Andalusian tourism brand" and, at the same time time, turn this into "a certificate of the quality of the event for the athlete, spectator and promoter."

In this sense, he pointed out that his department throughout this term has gone from being a mere sponsor to also being the owner of several events. In his opinion, this formula means that today "we no longer pay royalties to other organizations, but rather share risks and benefits with the private partners with whom we organize competitions." The counselor referred to the Doñana Challenge as "an already established event, which is generating tradition in the world of sport, where outdoor practice is gaining more and more presence on the Andalusian scene", with events such as the Eurorando or those held in height this summer in Sierra Nevada.

The third edition of this event, like last year, will take place over a total distance of 200 kilometers - of which 169 will be by bicycle, one by swimming and 30 by running -, and with the focus once again on defense of the environment and sustainable development. As Luciano Alonso explained, the organization has chosen the same route as last year, as it provides “a balance between towns with great tourist potential both inland and on the coast and maintains the unique and differentiating elements of this event, such as crossing the Guadalquivir at its mouth through Sanlúcar de Barrameda and the journey through the beaches of Doñana ».

For this edition, there are already 380 registered, which represents an increase in all categories, especially among fans, who have increased by 25%. The test will be played in three modalities: professional, amateur and relays. In relays, female, male and mixed teams may compete. The competition is not exclusively for specialized long distance triathletes, but is also aimed at cyclists, runners or duathletes who want to participate in a new form of extreme triathlon.

In addition, the Andalusian Minister of Tourism, Commerce and Sports announced that for another year the celebration of the test will be accompanied by animation activities aimed at families and other spectators, as well as a 'Minidesafío' that will have the participation of 350 minors. This activity will be held on Matalascañas beach at the same height as the finish line of the official competition and will consist of an aquathlon-race, swimming and running.

At the presentation of the event, held at the Bodegas Delgado Zuleta headquarters, Luciano Alonso was accompanied by the event's technical director and president of the Andalusian Triathlon Federation, José María Merchán, and the mayor of the town, Irene García. The Doñana Challenge is organized by the Junta and the Andalusian Triathlon Federation and with the collaboration of the municipalities of Sanlúcar de Barrameda and Almonte, and Doñana.

Source: diariosur.es