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 which constitutes a reference 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 events, 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 legislature 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 fees 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 in the Andalusian panorama", 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 in bike, one swimming and 30 running-, and with the focus once again on environmental protection and sustainable development. According to Luciano Alonso, the organisation 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 crossing along 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 held in three modalities: professional, amateur and relay. Women's, men's and mixed teams may compete in relays. The competition is not exclusive to triathletes specialized in long distances, but is also aimed at cyclists, runners or duathletes who want to participate in a new form of extreme triathlon.

In addition, the Andalusian head of Tourism, Commerce and Sports announced that once again the celebration of the event will be accompanied by entertainment activities aimed at families and other spectators, as well as a 'Mini Challenge' 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 -run, swim and run-.

At the presentation of the event, held at the Bodegas Delgado Zuleta headquarters, Luciano Alonso was accompanied by the technical director of the event 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