As the Southern Alps settle into late summer and the waters of Lake Wānaka begin to cool, one of triathlon’s most scenic battlegrounds prepares to celebrate a major milestone. This week marks the 20th edition of Challenge Wanaka – a race that has grown from humble beginnings into one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most iconic Middle Distance events.
More than 3,000 athletes will descend on the Central Otago town from February 19–21, with 22 professionals headlining a three-day festival of swim, bike and run. What began in 2007 with just 85 starters has evolved into a bucket-list race that blends world-class competition with grassroots participation – and this year’s anniversary edition promises both depth and drama.
A Course That Demands Respect
Athletes will tackle a classic Middle Distance format: a 1.9km swim in Lake Wānaka, a 90km ride through rolling terrain toward the edge of Mount Aspiring National Park, and a 21.1km run tracing the lakefront. It’s a course renowned not just for its postcard beauty, but for its ability to expose weaknesses – particularly when alpine winds begin to stir.
Men’s Race: Experience Meets Firepower
New Zealand’s Mike Phillips arrives as one of the headline contenders. A three-time Ironman New Zealand champion, Phillips has delivered consistently on the international stage and previously reached the Wanaka podium – yet a professional victory here has remained just out of reach. Racing on home soil in this landmark edition could provide added motivation.
Standing firmly in his way is two-time champion Jack Moody. Few athletes understand this course better. Moody’s bike-run strength and tactical composure have served him well here in the past, and he returns determined to defend his territory.
Adding international intrigue is Germany’s Frederic Funk, one of the highest-ranked Middle Distance athletes in the world. Known for his exceptional bike power and consistency, Funk makes his Challenge Wanaka debut – and could prove decisive if the race becomes aggressive early on the ride.
The Kiwi depth chart is equally compelling, with Brett Clifford, Scott Harpham, Tom Somerville, Robert Huisman and Ivan Abele all capable of influencing the outcome. In a race where terrain rewards strength and patience, expect tactical racing rather than an all-out shootout from the gun.
Women’s Field: Global Talent on Display
The women’s race may be even more unpredictable. Great Britain’s Lucy Byram enters as the highest-ranked athlete in the field, currently sitting 16th in the world. With five Challenge Family podiums – including three victories – Byram brings both pedigree and momentum to her Wanaka debut.
Canada’s Tamara Jewett is widely regarded as one of the fastest runners in Middle Distance triathlon. If she remains within striking distance off the bike, the half marathon could quickly tilt in her favour.
American Gabrielle Lumkes has quietly built an advantage by spending the New Zealand summer training locally, gaining valuable familiarity with the course and conditions.
Leading the home hopes is Rebecca Clarke, one of the sport’s strongest swimmers. If Clarke can leverage her front-pack swim and maintain contact on the bike, she’ll have every chance of animating the race in front of a passionate home crowd.
With strength across all three disciplines throughout the field, the women’s contest may ultimately come down to who times their move best along the exposed lakefront in the final kilometers.
