Challenge Wānaka

Challenge Wanaka’s secondary school race is a short-course triathlon on the Lake Wanaka lakefront, designed for students from Year 9 upward. It is part of the wider Challenge Wanaka Festival of Triathlon. Entrants can race solo or in teams of up to five, allowing first-timers to share the swim, bike, and run with friends rather than completing the entire event alone. The swim is held close to shore in Lake Wanaka, covering 300m for U14 and U16 athletes and 400m for U19 athletes. The bike leg follows the water for 10km for the younger age groups and 20km for U19. All participants then run 3.5km, finishing across the official Challenge Wanaka finish line. Hundreds of young athletes participate, every finisher receives a medal, and the red-carpet finish provides the school race with the same significant event atmosphere as the main festival races.