The world’s most scenic iron distance triathlon

Welcome to the world’s most scenic iron distance triathlon (113km), set against the lake and mountain backdrop of Mount Aspiring National Park in New Zealand’s South Island.

Following the internationally renowned Challenge Wanaka course the terrain, remoteness and honesty of the course makes it one of the most memorable. The physical and mental challenges will push athletes to their limits but the enthusiasm and warm welcome of the local supporters is second to none with the resulting atmosphere getting even the most tired competitor across the line.

As an athlete it is essential you are prepared for this very special event. It is a half iron distance with an ‘adventure edge’ and there are several compulsory elements that you may not encounter at other events. Our aim is to deliver an experience at the Lake Wanaka Half that is both safe and memorable for you. We can’t do much about the sore muscles and joints as you run up the finish chute, but we will ensure you are safe on the course at all times.

The weather in Lake Wanaka in January is stunning, and an average day is 26-28 degrees Celsius with clear blue skies and light winds. It is however an alpine environment so athletes must be prepared for all eventualities.

Swim Course – 1.9km

The swim course is set for Roy’s Bay in Lake Wanaka and will start with individuals at 7.35am (males) and 7.38am (females) and teams at 7:50am. The swim cut-off is 9.15am.

The one-lap swim is in the sheltered part of Roy’s Bay in Lake Wanaka within easy view of spectators watching from the shore. The course has a deep water start swimming in an anti-clockwise direction with a total of four turn buoys. The average water depth for most of the course is 2.5m although the second leg does have depths of up to 13m.

Lake Wanaka is the warmest lake in the Southern Lakes and is a popular choice for a large range of water sports each summer. The swim course is in crystal clear water so clean you can drink it.

The following rules will apply to the swim :

Wetsuit – compulsory. 2XU wetsuits are available to hire from 2XU outlets.

Event swim cap – compulsory (provided at registration)

Please note that other swim equipment (eg. neoprene swim cap) maybe made compulsory prior to the event. Compulsory gear will be finalised by race briefing on Friday 18 January 2013.

In all likelihood, the swim course temperature in January will be in the region of 16C-18C, and that being the case, we will revise the compulsory requirements for the swim, but you must come prepared to adhere to the above. Those not wearing compulsory gear as specified by the event team on race day will not be allowed to start.

Swim cut off

Individuals and teams: 9:15am

Racers Edge Bike Course – 90km

The 90km bike is over one lap and takes in two of the alpine lakes in the Southern Lakes region.

The course heads out of town winding round the edge of Lake Wanaka towards Mt Aspiring National Park, reaching the Hospital Flat turnaround point at 18km and heading back to the township. After passing through the main race area and crowds of spectators the course turns left through Albert Town and an undulating ride to Lake Hawea. After a ride along the Hawea lakefront the course heads to Hawea Flat followed by a short climb to the terraces and then a steep descent to the Clutha River across the Red Bridge. Turning right at Luggate, competitors will climb to Wanaka Airport and head back towards Wanaka taking a short detour along Riverbank Road to the Cardrona Valley Road before the final 5km downhill and back to transition.

Aid Stations
Aid stations on the bike will be approximately 20km apart. These will have bike bottles with High5 electrolyte drink or water in them along with High5 gels and bars and bananas.

Drafting
If you are caught drafting you will be penalised and/or disqualified as per the Triathlon NZ regulations. Please read the ‘Terms & Conditions’ which are part of the entry form for clarification on our drafting rules.

Bike cut off

Individuals and teams: 12.35pm

Run Leg – 21.1km

The run heads towards the Lake Wanaka Outlet Track along the lake edge and follows the Clutha River towards Albert Town.

Once at Dean’s Bank (12.5km) the course turns right into Gunn Rd (sharp uphill) right into Aubrey Rd (long gentle downhill), left into Totara Terrace, left into Plantation Rd (gentle uphill), right into Lismore Park, veering right out onto Lismore Street, right into Beaumont Street, left into Plantation Road, right onto Beacon Point Road, left onto Eely Point Road and then onto Lakeside Road back towards the town centre.
The run course is 25% sealed, 75% gravel and is one lap.

Aid Stations
Aid stations will be positioned approximately every 3km on the run. They will be offering High5 electrolyte drink and High5 gels and bars along with bananas, Coke, jet plane lollies and salty crackers. Sponges are also available.

At the finish
As you come up the finish chute, take a little time to reflect on what you have achieved, and relish the experience of finishing the Lake Wanaka Half.

Once under the finish gantry, each competitor will be assessed by the medical team and be guided through the recovery tent where a well-earned food, drink and congratulations await you!

Please note that the cut off time of 2.50pm will be strictly adhered to to ensure a clear finish chute for the winners of Challenge Wanaka. Any athletes on course after this time will be stopped at a holding point on Lakeside Road until the first three Challenge Wanaka winners have crossed the line. The Half athletes will then be allowed to continue.

We strongly encourage you to keep up the training to avoid any disappointments!

Course closes

Individuals and teams: 2.50pm