New Zealand’s largest annual triathlon festival, Challenge Wanaka, today announced both the half and full distance races will come under the Challenge Family banner for 2017. Previously the half distance was known as the Lake Wanaka Half and while run concurrently, was a separate brand to the full distance Challenge Wanaka.
“The half has, to all intents and purposes, been part of Challenge for a number of years now, it just had a different logo. We felt it important that all athletes felt included within Challenge on an equal footing, regardless of the distance they were racing,” said Challenge Wanaka race director, Bill Roxburgh. “After discussions with Challenge Family, we were able to make this happen. Now both half and full distance athletes can qualify for The Championships in June 2017 and race alongside the best in the world, as well as feel even more embraced by the unique Challenge Family feeling.”
Challenge Family Asia Pacific CEO Marcus Altmann said it was good to see another half distance event added to the region. “This brings the number of Challenge Family events to nine in the Asia Pacific region, providing athletes with not only more qualification options for The Championship, but also a with a diverse range of events across both the full and half distance.”
James Helmore, general manager of Lake Wanaka Tourism also welcomed the move. “The half distance will now be promoted through Challenge Family’s extensive international marketing streams alongside the already world-renowned full distance. We anticipate this will translate into increased participation from overseas and look forward to working with the team at Challenge Wanaka to make the most of this opportunity.”
Craig Savage, who has won the Lake Wanaka Half for the past two years, said the move was great for athletes. “I think this is a great initiative by Challenge to merge the Lake Wanaka Half with Challenge for 2017. The half has consistently grown bigger and bigger every year and with the ability for athletes to compete for Championship and Roth slots in 2017, I think this is a great incentive for even more athletes to come race in Wanaka. This event is my favourite race in New Zealand and I can't wait to come back to defend my title in 2017.”
Challenge Wanaka is New Zealand’s largest annual triathlon festival with over 2,500 participants of all ages and abilities. Challenge Wanaka will take place on Saturday 18 February 2017 with full details and entries available at www.challenge-wanaka.com.
