2025-07-07
Women from Klaipėda – Incredibly Active Participants in the Women's Challenge Rally
Not only will there be even more colour, but also added intrigue at the largest motorsport festival in the Baltic States – the Aurum 1006 km powered by Hankook – taking place in Palanga from 16 to 19 July. Organised by VšĮ 1000 km lenktynės, this race has been running non-stop for 26 years and will once again feature the Women’s Challenge, a competition that always draws significant attention.
Now in its eighth edition, the Women’s Challenge rally will start on 18 July. As every year, the organisers aim to surprise both first-time entrants and long-time fans who rarely miss these dynamic and fun-filled events.
The Participants Are Surprising the Organisers
This year, it's the participants themselves who have surprised the organisers with their enthusiasm – despite a pre-set limit of 100 teams, only a few spots now remain. A remarkable 38 all-female teams from Klaipėda have already signed up to compete on the main race track. Several more Klaipėda locals will also take part as members of mixed teams, racing to find the fastest route to the finish line.
But what explains this surge in interest from the port city? Is it simply convenience – being just a few dozen kilometres from the starting line?
“Let’s not jump to conclusions. I don’t think distance is the main factor,” says Darius Jonušis, founder and organiser of the Aurum 1006 km powered by Hankook.
The Klaipėda Seaport Team Debuts
For the first time ever, eleven female employees from the Klaipėda State Seaport Authority will take part in the rally. They’ll be competing in three teams with clever names: Klaipėda Port – Veni, Vidi, Vici.
What motivated these women to swap their spacious, air-conditioned offices for the high-energy atmosphere of the rally?
“We wanted a bit of adventure – a break from our everyday routine and work schedules! Usually, our days are filled with serious tasks, but this time we were after something different,” says K. Morkvėnienė, a lawyer at the Klaipėda Seaport Authority. “The Women's Challenge seemed like a great way to trade logic-driven office work for real driving, and to bring home memories that will last a lifetime.”
“‘Come. See. Conquer.’ It’s a bit like the Olympic spirit – but with a twist,” adds V. Ketlerienė, a commercial project manager and member of the Vidi team.
L. Venckuvienė, the team's programmer and systems administrator, adds: “We're hoping for good weather – but we already have everything else we need: great teamwork, positive energy, and strong motivation to finish.”
The Participants' Energy Is Infectious
The sheer number of women participating – and their contagious enthusiasm – also inspires Jolanta Iselionienė, organiser of this fun and strategic rally. She promises more prizes and awards than ever before, along with a wider variety of competition categories where women can showcase their driving skills. Out of the 95 registered teams so far:
- 38 are first-time participants,
- 14 will compete in the Electric Car category,
- 12 teams will race in the Two-Member category,
- 70 teams are in the More Than Two Members category,
- 24 will compete in the Three Challenges Plus category,
- 10 are Company Teams.
Plenty of Surprises in Store
Iselionienė promises this year’s Women's Challenge will surprise both newcomers and returning participants. The programme features new challenges, including driving on slippery surfaces, slalom events, thrilling competitions, and fierce battles for seconds – topped off with a hot party in the VIP area.
The total route will exceed 200 km, with 118 km covered via road book navigation, while the remaining distance will be driven between events.
The Women's Challenge has now been an official part of the Aurum 1006 km powered by Hankook programme for eight years. Both the start and finish will take place on the main race track, and winners will be awarded on the main stage alongside professional drivers.
Participants are reminded that the Women's Challenge will take place on public roads, so strict adherence to traffic regulations is mandatory. Speed isn’t everything – attention to detail, good orientation, and task completion are the true keys to success.
Photos by Vytautas Pilkauskas and Andrius Laucius