Challenge Wanaka features one of the world’s toughest and most honest long distance triathlon courses set against the stunning alpine backdrop of New Zealand’s Southern Alps and the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area. It is New Zealand’s largest triathlon festival, featuring events for all ages and abilities involving over 2,000 participants, attracting 10,000 spectators and a global audience of millions.

Part of the legendary Challenge Family global series of long distance triathlons, renowned the world over for their memorable events, Challenge Wanaka is the race of a lifetime for athletes wanting to compete and holiday in paradise. Watch over 1,500 top professional and amateur athletes from all over the globe compete on the world’s most scenic iron distance course in the 3.8km swim in crystal clear waters, the 180km bike taking in two alpine lakes and the 42.2km run which is 75% off-road along the water’s edge.

The festival includes the Puzzling World Junior Challenge for budding triathletes aged six to fifteen. There’s also the Fun Run and Swim the Course during the week before the two highlight events.

The week culminates with the flagship Challenge Wanaka race on Sunday 22 February 2015 which runs simultaneously with the Lake Wanaka Half. Thousands of spectators line the route and finish chute cheering on these inspirational contenders as they compete in the most arduous of the triathlon disciplines.

The finish line is in the heart of the Lake Wanaka township and, in true ‘Challenge’ style, there’s a fun finish line party with music and fireworks to welcome the athletes home late into the night.

See All Stories On This Race