Havaianas Thong Challenge via URBAN celebrates 10 years with new world record

Monday 26th January marked the 10th annual Havaianas Thong Challenge, and kicked off Australia Day festivities yet again at five of the country’s most iconic beaches including North Bondi, Cottelsoe, Mooloolaba, Glenelg and Torquay main beach.

Managed by experience agency URBAN and Havaianas (Aqueo Imports), the Havaianas Thong Challenge has evolved to become an Australia Day tradition for Aussie Day revelers and media nationally, who chopper in cameras to capture this huge, uniquely Australian floating-spectacle as part of their Australia Day coverage each year.

Monday was no exception – 4859 participated across the country, with Western Australia smashing their 2014 record of 2099 to take out a new world record of 2210 people joined together and floating on giant Havaianas at Cottesloe beach. And despite rough conditions causing the cancellation of New South Wales’ world record attempt, some 2000 turned out to celebrate and enjoy the festivities at North Bondi beach.

Total attendance:

WA – 2210

VIC – 1556

QLD – 802

SA – 291

NSW – Cancelled

Havaianas also donated $69,590 to participating Surf Living Saving Clubs’ Nippers.

Says Ryan McDonough, URBAN co-founder and event director: “It was another huge day for us with record numbers of participants at three of five participating beaches. And despite North Bondi having to be cancelled, the atmosphere was terrific, which is testament to the publics continued support for the event.

“The Havaianas Thong Challenge has again affirmed its status as Australia’s most successful and enduring example of experiential marketing.”