 Aaron Farlow winning the 2012 Challenge Wanaka(Photo: Getty Images; click to enlarge) |
Entries opened today for the world's most scenic iron distance triathlon, Challenge Wanaka in New Zealand's South Island, which takes place on 19 January 2013. With early bird prices frozen at NZ$495 for individuals and NZ$650 for teams it remains Australasia's best value long distance race.
Today's entries going on sale coincides with the announcement that the tough Challenge Wanaka cycle course will change from a single lap to two lap course for 2013, cutting out the long wind-affected loop around Lake Dunstan.
Race director, Victoria Murray-Orr, said the new course would result in a better race experience for both athletes and spectators.
"As Challenge Wanaka continues to go from strength to strength, we are constantly looking at ways in which we can improve," she said. "Making the course two laps cuts out the most exposed part of the course which for the last two years has made athletes push through brutal head winds. It was also the loneliest part of the course and now athletes can enjoy more spectator support on the shorter laps as well as go through Wanaka town centre twice which will give them a huge boost. However, it will still be a tough, honest course with the testing terrain of the two laps ensuring the race will continue to be as much a battle of the mind and the elements as the body."
Full details of the new course will be released shortly but it has been confirmed it will include two laps of the current half distance course but will not go out towards Mt Aspiring National Park turnaround for a second time.
Challenge Wanaka will take place on 19 January 2013 and is the flagship event of New Zealand's largest triathlon festival, featuring events for over 2,000 athletes of all ages and abilities, running from 13-19 January 2013. For further information and entries, visit www.challengewanaka.com.
Challenge Wanaka is part of the Challenge Family global series of long distance triathlons currently featuring 12 races around the world. For further information visit www.challenge-family.com.
