Challenge Wanaka To Host The 2026 NZ Middle Distance Triathlon Championship

WĀNAKA, NEW ZEALAND — Challenge Wānaka is proud to announce that the 2026 Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka Half has been selected to host the New Zealand Middle Distance Triathlon Championship, making it an official qualifying event for the 2026 World Triathlon Multisport Championships.

This exciting news comes as Tri NZ announced the dates and races in this season’s Tri NZ Suzuki Series, the national championship pathway for athletes aiming to represent Team NZL on the world stage.

As part of the Tri NZ Suzuki Series, the 2026 Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka Half is not only a chance to race for a national title but also serves as a qualifier event* for the 2026 World Triathlon Multisport Championships in Abu Dhabi. This positions Challenge Wānaka as a key event in the national calendar for athletes aiming to represent New Zealand on the world stage.

Early bird entries are now open, giving athletes the opportunity to compete for national honours and qualification spots on one of the world’s most breathtaking and iconic triathlon courses. The 2026 race, set for Saturday, 21 February, also marks 20 years of Challenge Wānaka — a milestone celebrating the event’s evolution. Since the first race in 2007, when just over 80 competitors lined up for a full-distance triathlon along the shores of Lake Wānaka and under the gaze of the Southern Alps, Challenge Wānaka has grown into a world-renowned event. Known for its breathtaking course, welcoming community, and exceptional race experience, it continues to draw athletes from across New Zealand and around the world.

“We’re honoured to be hosting the National Middle Distance Championship in 2026 — and even more so in our 20th year,” said Race Director Jane Sharman. “Athletes will be racing for a national title and the chance to represent New Zealand at the World Championships. It’s a proud moment for our team, our community, and everyone who has been part of Challenge Wānaka’s journey.”

The Challenge Wānaka Aquabike will also return on 21 February 2026, offering athletes a stunning swim-bike format set against the spectacular backdrop of Lake Wānaka and the Southern Alps.

Whether racing for qualification or a personal challenge, 2026 is set to be one of the most memorable editions in Challenge Wānaka’s 20-year history.

2026 Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka Half & Garth Barfoot Aquabike

Event Date: 21 February 2026 - Early Bird entries now open

For more information and to register, visit www.challenge-wanaka.com

*Qualifier for 2026 World Triathlon Multisport Championships (Abu Dhabi). The Tri NZ Suzuki Series Mid Distance Triathlon is the qualifier for what World Triathlon terms as its “Long Distance” Championship, next year in Abu Dhabi. The Long Distance triathlon at this coming June’s World Triathlon Multisport Championships is listed as 3km swim, 121km bike and 30.2km run and will be of a similar distance in 2026. The Tri NZ Suzuki Series qualifier for the 2026 worlds in Abu Dhabi is incorporated into the Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wanaka Half (1.9km swim, 90km bike, 21.2km run).To find out more about the eligibility criteria for the National Series, visit the Triathlon New Zealand website.

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