USM EVENTS, organisers of Challenge Cairns, have revealed the latest addition to the Cairns Airport Adventure Festival.

Online entries went on sale for individuals and teams for the new long course race (2km swim, 80km cycle, 20km run) that will be a feature event on Sunday 3 June 2012.

There has been a resurgence in the popularity of this distance amongst the long course fraternity and equally for team competitors. 

USM Events CEO, Geoff Meyer said the inclusion of the Cairns 2.80.20 race was a strategic decision.

“The switch from last years’ Challenge Half (1.9km swim, 90km cycle, 21.1km run) to the more high profile long course race (2.80.20) will elevate the status of the race and ensure it has its own profile and recognised as another blue ribbon event on the 2012 program.

“We are confident that this event will attract an even stronger elite field of athletes from around the country and also resonate with the local community to aspire to compete as an individual or as part of a team,” said Mr Meyer.

“We will be doing a lot of work to educate and encourage both residents and corporate business to take on the challenge of the Cairns 2.80.20,” he added.

The Cairns 2.80.20 has already attacted over 350 individual participants and 35 teams who have registered for the event.

“This new format was designed not to cross over with the Challenge Cairns competitors ensuring both races and all athletes will shine in their own right,” said General Manager David Ray.

Course details are currently being finalised and will be released in early December.

To enter or for further event information visit the Cairns Adventure Festival website. 

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