The elite fields are back at this week’s Challenge Wānaka, to celebrate the 20th edition of one of the world’s most scenic triathlons.
More than 3,000 athletes, including a pro field of 22, are expected to take part across the three-day festival in central Wānaka, which begins this Thursday February 19 and ends on Saturday February 21 with the pro races.
The 2026 edition marks 20 years since 85 athletes stood on the start line in 2007. This year as part of the middle-distance event there will be more than 150 teams across corporate, mixed, and gender categories.
The Mitre 10 Mega Wānaka Adaptive Challenge will feature 50 adaptive athletes, while over 2,100 children will take on the Puzzling World Junior and Intermediate Challenges, as well as the Mitre 10 Mega Wānaka Secondary Schools Challenge.
Event Director Jane Sharman says the 20-year milestone is an opportunity to celebrate both the evolution of the event and the community that supports it.
“This event has always been about more than racing. It’s about courage, connection, and celebrating what’s possible – whether you’re five years old, an adaptive athlete, or racing professionally on the world stage.”
RELATED CONTENT: Check out our ‘Let’s Race’ guide to find out why Wānaka should be on every triathlete’s bucket list…
Men’s pro field
The elite field features professional athletes from New Zealand, Australia, Great Britain, Germany, Switzerland, Canada and the United States for what is a 1.9km swim in Lake Wānaka, a 90km bike towards Mt Aspiring National Park and a 21.1km run along the lakefront.
In the men’s field, New Zealand’s Mike Phillips enters as one of the favourites. A three-time Ironman New Zealand champion and consistent international performer, Phillips has stood on the Wānaka podium before but a professional title here has remained elusive. On home soil, he will see 2026 as a prime opportunity.
Two-time Challenge Wānaka champion Jack Moody returns with the confidence of previous wins. Moody’s familiarity with the Wānaka course, along with his strong bike-run combination, makes him one of the athletes to watch.
“I’m incredibly excited to see Challenge Wānaka back on the domestic pro calendar. It’s a race I’ve supported since the start of my professional career, I haven’t missed a pro start here,” says Moody.
Germany’s Frederic Funk will make his debut appearance at Challenge Wānaka this year. Funk is one of the world’s highest-ranked middle-distance triathletes and is renowned for his formidable bike power and consistency on the global stage and last season saw him step up to full-distance racing for the first time.
A strong Kiwi contingent of emerging and established professionals including Brett Clifford, Scott Harpham, Tom Somerville, Robert Huisman and Ivan Abele adds further depth.
Women’s pro field
The women’s elite field is packed with talent and international experience. Great Britain’s Lucy Byram, the highest-ranked athlete in the field at 16th in the world, makes her Challenge Wānaka debut. Byram brings an impressive Challenge Family pedigree, with five podium finishes, including three wins, making her a clear contender across all disciplines.
Byram was voted the T100’s Athletes’ Athlete of the Year for 2025 after her return to the sport following the tragic death of her partner, Sam O’Shea.
Canada’s Tamara Jewett, widely regarded as one of the fastest runners in middle-distance racing, is expected to shape the race dynamics deep into the half marathon.
American Gabrielle Lumkes has spent the New Zealand summer training in Wānaka, gaining valuable course familiarity ahead of race day.
Leading the Kiwi charge is Rebecca Clarke, renowned as one of the fastest swimmers in the sport, bringing experience and strong home support as she targets the podium.
