Apparently Challenge races also allow even more athletes, even after considering Canada was already one of Ironman's largest races. I read on another site that the Roth Challenge course isn't well-measured at 140.6, which might be a little disappointing.

I also heard from various locals and volunteers that more of Challenge's money stays in the community, so it should be really good for Penticton if they can keep the audience.

Mixed reaction from volunteers, lots of people upset with Ironman Canada for not announcing it in advance, but just as many or more that love it for the race, not for the name. A lot of locals spectating had the "what does that mean?" question more than anything. Athletes... many will do Challenge, many are trying to either qualify for Kona or rack up their legacy finishes (after 12, with 3 years in a row, you can be eligible for a Kona entry), some will never do it again anyway

Lastly, I heard a rumor they are looking at changing the course, even though previously we'd heard they were keeping it the same. The current course does disrupt a lot of major roads, but they've been doing it for so long people seem to be used to it.

I guess we'll see More choice can't be a bad thing!