The Mark Webber Tasmania Challenge Returns to Tasmania in 2011

The challenging, exhilarating and often gruelling Mark Webber Tasmania Challenge will return to Tasmania in 2011 as part of a three-year partnership between the State Government, Mark Webber Challenge Management Pty Ltd and event management company, Octagon Australia.

The 2011 challenge (Monday December 5th until Thursday, December 8th) will mark an exciting return to the island after a two year hiatus, with the course expected to take in some of Tasmania's most iconic adventure tourism locations including Cradle Mountain, Freycinet and the Bay of Fires. As in previous years, Mark Webber will participate in the challenge, alongside corporate entrants, high profile celebrities and elite sportsmen.*

As the challenge was created to raise funds for charity, no prizes are awarded, with competitors participating to keep fit, challenge themselves, build team spirits and enjoy the camaraderie while raising funds for a good cause. Visitors to Tasmania can also catch a glimpse of the action during the urban challenges.

"We are thrilled to once again play host to the renowned Mark Webber Tasmania Challenge," Felicia Mariani, CEO of Tourism Tasmania said. "Tasmania is renowned for its world-class adventure travel, and the Mark Webber Tasmania Challenge successfully encapsulates this through its course designed for elite athletes and less "hard core" adventure sports enthusiasts who can compete and challenge themselves at different levels."

"During the challenge, we will be hosting many high profile visitors to the state in the form of competitors, sponsors, celebrities and elite athletes. It is an excellent opportunity for us to show them our world-class travel offerings, and to encourage them to return and discover more of the island. We are also delighted to welcome back Mark Webber, who is an exemplary ambassador for our state," she added.

The Mark Webber Tasmania Challenge was created by Mark Webber in 2006 and combines his love of outdoor adventure sports with fund raising for Australian charities. The race centers around a course which is redesigned each year, and which covers some of Tasmania's toughest terrain including World Heritage listed wilderness areas, pristine coastlines and urban environments.

In 2011, the Mark Webber Tasmania Challenge will include traditional adventure racing including mountain biking, trail running and kayak paddling, with swimming, white water rafting, caving and ropes courses potentially forming part of the challenge. In previous years, competitors have traversed the Walls of Jerusalem, flown across Cataract Gorge on a flying fox, and climbed to the summit of Cradle Mountain.

*More information on the Mark Webber Tasmania Challenge and how corporate teams can enter will be made available closer to the date at www.markwebberchallenge.com.

Travel to Tasmania
Travellers can fly to Tasmania on Jetstar, Virgin Blue, Qantas, Tiger Airways or Rex Airlines, or take the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Port Melbourne (VIC) to Devonport (TAS).