A press conference inaugurating the 6th edition of the LOTTO Challenge Gdańsk powered by PGE triathlon competition was held at the Volkswagen CityMotors showroom in Gdańsk. The new venue for the media meeting—surrounded by modern cars and advanced technology—gave the event a dynamic character, perfectly matching the spirit of sports competition. During the conference, a completely new, spectacular cycling route leading through Żuławy Wiślane was presented, among other things.
The great sports festival in the Tricity will begin on the weekend of June 19–21, 2026. Female and male competitors from all over the world will once again compete in the waves of the Gulf of Gdańsk, on a demanding cycling stage, and during the running finish with the finish line at the pier in Gdańsk-Brzeźno. The program will feature the regular highlights of the event: the TREFL Aquathlon Gdańsk competition for children and the Challenge Women by Brooks charity run for women.
Record interest and a global brand
The previous edition in 2025 set the bar extremely high, hosting over a thousand participants from 33 countries around the world. For years, the Gdańsk event has been recognized as one of the best-rated in the entire global Challenge Family series, having earned the prestigious Race Of The Year title and the Gold Award, voted directly by the athletes.
– Year by year, our Gdańsk triathlon family is growing, and this year’s starting lists filled up at a record pace. From the very beginning, we have been playing on the same team with Totalizator Sportowy, the city of Gdańsk, and the Gdańsk Sports Center, as well as with Polska Grupa Energetyczna. Together, we prove that we can create an event of the highest global standard, while maintaining its unique, family character – emphasizes Adam Greczyło, the race director of LOTTO Challenge Gdańsk powered by PGE.
The guest of the conference was the head of the brand’s global structures, Zibi Szlufcik, highlighting Gdańsk’s position on the international map of the series:
– Challenge Family is a global organization that proudly brings together 35 prestigious races in 29 countries around the world, and Gdańsk is one of the key points on this map. Our hallmark is a unique, family atmosphere – we instill it in every event, making sure that all athletes, regardless of their advancement level or times achieved, feel special here and form one community. We warmly welcome all participants to Gdańsk, which plays an extremely important role in the global development of our brand.
City support and local government officials at the start
Gdańsk has lived and breathed triathlon since the first edition, and representatives of the city authorities are actively involved in its organization and promotion.
– LOTTO Challenge is a key event on the sports map of Gdańsk, perfectly aligning with the physical culture development strategy of our city. On the one hand, we encourage residents and guests to stay in shape and be active alongside professionals, on the other – it is an excellent promotional and marketing tool. Sports tourism is a dynamically growing industry today. Thanks to such events, we can show Gdańsk from a completely new perspective and prove what a beautiful and dynamic place we are – said Piotr Borawski, Deputy Mayor of the City of Gdańsk.
Partners drive the event
The new format of the conference in a car showroom highlighted the role of sponsors. Key partners, without whom the organization of the event at this level would not be possible, were given their space to speak.
– Totalizator Sportowy is always eager to support initiatives in which amateurs participate alongside professional athletes. We want to be close to Poles, take care of their health, and promote an active lifestyle. Gdańsk is a unique place in this regard – the local residents are famous for their energy and commitment, which is why we are thrilled to be involved in this event – said the representative of the title partner of the competition, director of the Totalizator Sportowy branch in Gdańsk, Mariusz Sadowski.
– The PGE Group is involved in sports events of both international and local character. Challenge Gdańsk is a great initiative for us because we are very active in Pomerania, and we are closely tied to this region. We are glad that we can be a sponsor of this event once again. We wish all competitors good luck and… a lot of water on the route, because it is supposedly going to be very hot – said Katarzyna Suwała, Vice President of the Management Board of PGE Energia Ciepła S.A.
New cycling route and the battle of PRO athletes
A key point of this year’s edition is the new, incredibly fast, but also picturesque cycling route running through Żuławy Wiślane, which was the main topic of discussion with the invited elite (PRO) athletes. A strong representation of victory contenders was present at the conference, for whom a space was prepared to comment on their strategies and evaluate the new routes.
– On Sunday, I am starting in Challenge Gdańsk. And the plan for this start is to fight for the victory – summarized bluntly by Marta Łagownik – PRO athlete and Polish national team representative.
WEEKEND SCHEDULE FRAMEWORK
Friday, June 19, 2026
15:10 START TREFL Aquathlon Gdańsk for age cat. 13–14 and 15–17 (400 m swim, 2000 m run)
15:40 START for age category 11–12 (200 m swim, 1000 m run)
16:00 START for age category 9–10 (100 m swim, 500 m run)
16:20 START for age category 7–8 (50 m swim, 100 m run)
17:00 TREFL Aquathlon Gdańsk Awards Ceremony (Gdańsk Brzeźno Pier)
Saturday, June 20, 2026 – Sprint and women’s run
8:00 START of SPRINT distance (750 m swim – 20 km bike – 5 km run)
11:00 Awards Ceremony for SPRINT distance athletes (Grandstands by the pier)
18:00 START Challenge Women by Brooks (Gdańsk – Brzeźno Pier)
Sunday, June 21, 2026 – Prestigious middle distance
8:00 START of MIDDLE distance – PRO M (Gdańsk Brzeźno Beach)
8:02 START of MIDDLE distance – PRO W
8:12 START of MIDDLE distance – Age Group (rolling start)
16:45 Awards Ceremony for athletes (grandstands by the pier)
More detailed information about the routes, traffic disruptions, and registration can be found on the official website www.challenge-poland.com and on social media at www.facebook.com/challengegdansk.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Sławek Rykowski
Head of the Press Office, Spokesperson
+48 500 121 908
