Over 70 elite athletes from around the world are heading to Challenge Wanaka in New Zealand, to take part in an inaugural showcase event on Friday, February 17th, 2023.
Part of the World Triathlon Oceania Cup, the Design Windows Twilight Challenge is an elite race which will see some of the best triathletes from New Zealand, Australia and around the world fighting it out for the overall prize and podium.
The course starts with a 750m swim in Lake Wānaka directly off the shore, followed by a 18km bike and a 5km run. The course takes place in and around Pembroke Park. The event organisers add that this setting is… ‘perfect for spectators so an incredible atmosphere is guaranteed.’
Taking place the night before the Integrity Homes Challenge Wānaka Half event, the Friday night showcase is positioned as a spectator experience.
New Zealand Olympic triathletes Tayler Reid, Ainsley Thorpe and Nicole Van Der Kay will be toeing the start line along with local hero Janus Staufenberg, Spanish number one David Castro Fajardo and Australian Jacob Birtwhistle who has just come off winning the 70.3 event in Tasmania, Australia.
The Integrity Homes Challenge Wānaka weekend will kick off with the Puzzling World Challenge Wanaka Mini, open to anyone under 5 years old. Here, the event’s youngest competitors will slip and slide down a special slide by the skate park on Pembroke Park, weave through an obstacle course and ride along closed roads on a bike or scooter.
“One of the aims of the Challenge Wanaka Sports Trust is to help people get active, which is exactly what this event will do,” said Race Director, Bill Roxburgh. “We are also excited to be helping local businesses by bringing the crowds back into the town for the evening.
“The location of the event means that the community can relax in the bars and restaurants along the waterfront while watching their friends and family compete – it will be an atmosphere like no other.”
Earlier we wrote a preview on Challenge Wanaka, which you can find here.
