No official pro field is not keeping Christchurch-based professional triathlete Mike Phillips away from one of his favourite events. Phillips, who has competed at Challenge W\u0101naka five times, is one of the familiar faces returning to this year\u2019s event. Having placed second in both 2023 and 2024, Phillips has consistently shown his skill on the course, which he describes as one of his favourites globally. \u201cI\u2019ve raced Challenge W\u0101naka \u00a0over both the full and half distance, and no matter where I race in the world, this event is still one of my favourites. The stunning scenery, the incredible community support, and the tough but rewarding nature of the race keep bringing me back year after year,\u201d he shares.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A seasoned competitor, Tom Somerville, is excited to take on the new course this year. The Christchurch-based professional triathlete, who has consistently finished in the top 10, looks forward to the new challenges that the updated course presents. \u201cThis event has always been a highlight of my season,\u201d Somerville says. \u201cW\u0101naka is perhaps the best place in the world for swim, bike, and run. The spectacular setting and the race\u2019s return to town make it a day I wouldn\u2019t want to miss!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Michael Tong, a Christchurch-based professional triathlete, took up the sport in 2018 and has quickly risen through the ranks. \u201cRacing at Challenge W\u0101naka in 2021 was a memorable experience,\u201d he recalls. “I\u2019m thrilled to return and see how the new course stacks up, though I suspect I\u2019ll be too focused on the race to take in the view!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
New Zealand athlete Tom Moulai, a former NCAA track star, is another athlete eager to test himself on the updated course. Transitioning from track to triathlon, Moulai placed 5th in his first middle distance event in Sydney last year. “W\u0101naka is a place I love to visit. It\u2019s close to home, and not often do you get events like this in the South Island! It\u2019s an iconic venue, and I\u2019m super excited to race here to kick off the year and see where the body is at.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Australian athlete Bailey Powell, a former elite hockey player who made the switch to triathlon at 22, and has already qualified for the 70.3 World Championships twice, is making his debut at Challenge W\u0101naka this year. Recently moving to W\u0101naka, Powell is especially excited to race on the familiar terrain he\u2019s spent months training on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Auckland-based triathlete Xander Marsh, who had a standout season with two age-group world titles and a national title at the 2024 Challenge W\u0101naka Aquabike, is eager to step up to the half-distance race. He will be joined by former champion Craig Savage, who claimed back-to-back victories in 2015 and 2016, and local triathlete Laurie Watson, both ready to take on the challenges of the updated course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The women’s field at the Gallagher Insurance Challenge W\u0101naka Half showcases homegrown talent, local standout Danielle Donaldson, returns after winning the overall age-group title in 2024 and securing top finishes at Oxman, the 70.3 World Championships, and Tauranga Half this season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With ambitions to turn professional in 2025\/2026, she\u2019s one to watch. With the hometown crowd behind her, she\u2019s looking forward to soaking up the moment: \u201cI am excited to see my family and friends on the run course and our epic community cheering along! It\u2019s awesome to have the event based in town again because the atmosphere it creates is such a big part of what makes this race so special!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just a week after conquering the Kathmandu Coast to Coast and being crowned the 2025 World Multisport Champion, Deborah Lynch will make a quick transition from multisport to triathlon. Lynch delivered a flawless performance across 243km of running, kayaking, and cycling to claim the Longest Day title, holding off five-time defending champion and Wanaka\u2019s own Simone Maier by just four minutes. Now, she\u2019s trading river crossings and mountain passes for the crystal-clear waters of Lake W\u0101naka, the rolling bike course, and the stunning trails of the Challenge W\u0101naka Half, testing her speed in the 30-34 age group over the 1.9km swim, 90km bike, and 21.1km run. Meanwhile, local pro triathlete Bec Clarke, still recovering from injury, will compete in a team, aiming to retain her title as the fastest female swimmer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Gallagher Insurance Challenge W\u0101naka Half is a marquee event within the wider Gallagher Insurance Challenge W\u0101naka Festival running from February 13-15. This multi-day celebration of endurance sport draws thousands of athletes and spectators to the region. This year\u2019s race features a revamped swim, bike, and run course, designed to provide even more stunning views and challenging terrain, making it a must-do event for both seasoned pros and first-time competitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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