The sport of triathlon is growing more popular every year, and young people are becoming increasingly enthusiastic about the combination of swimming, biking, and running. This is clear from the huge growth of the Junior Challenge, which will be held on upcoming September 10th during Challenge Almere-Amsterdam. This year, with over 550 participants, more than twice as many young athletes will be at the starting line in Almere.
“The Junior Challenge is an integral part of Challenge Almere-Amsterdam,” says Event Director Jefry Visser. “It has been on the program since the early nineties. As kids, we (our organization team, ed.) all stood at the start of the Junior Challenge multiple times ourselves, and that is where the passion for this sport was ignited for us. It is no coincidence that we kick off Challenge Almere-Amsterdam with this event; we love giving the Junior Challenge a prominent place in our race schedule. The fact that over 550 students are now appearing at the start line is truly special.”
The Junior Challenge – also serving as the Dutch National Championship for students – takes place on Thursday, September 10th, starting at 3:00 PM (15:00). Both lower-school and upper-school students will participate. All athletes will swim 400 meters, bike 9 kilometers, and run 2 kilometers. “As always, the start and finish are at the Esplanade, right where the best athletes in the world will also start and finish two days later in their battle for the European titles. The course goes straight through Almere: a very special way to experience the city from a different perspective.”
