Challenge Wānaka 2026 results: Tamara Jewett and Jack Moody swoop late for wins

The 20th anniversary edition of Challenge Wānaka saw the professional races return – and two impresssive winners.

In the women’s race Wānaka local Rebecca Clarke led the entire race before being overtaken by Tamara Jewett during the final stretch of the run, with Jewett claiming her first Challenge Wānaka win.

And for the men, Jack Moody secured his second Challenge Wānaka victory with a strong performance, coming from fourth place off the bike to take the top place during the run.

Pro women’s race

The day began with a brisk 10°C start and a choppy 1.9km swim in Lake Wānaka, immediately testing athletes.

Clarke (NZL) led decisively out of the water (25:06) and controlled much of the race, with Danielle Donaldson (NZL) and Gabrielle Lumkes (USA) close behind. Clarke maintained her advantage through the bike, entering T2 still in command.

Jewett (CAN) began the run in fifth place, having battled illness throughout race week. But the Canadian is known for her run strength, and the lakefront course became her stage.

Gradually moving through the field, Jewett closed the gap with relentless consistency. In a dramatic final stretch she set a new run course record of 1.21:26. She overtook Lumkes and then Clarke to claim victory in 4:29:39, just over a minute ahead of Clarke (4:30:43), with Lumkes third in 4:30:46.

tamara jewett challenge wanaka 2026 — Tamara Jewett celebrates her win [Photo credit: Challenge Family]

Jewett said afterwards: “I’ve been sick all week, so when I came off the bike I was around fifth place and really thought the podium was out of sight. I was not feeling great, I was gritting my teeth and getting through it.

“The course is gorgeous, one of the most beautiful run courses I’ve ever been on. None of it is fast, with punchy hills and chip seal and gravel. Being able to build momentum was a great confidence boost, I’m proud I just kept working it.”

Pro men’s race

Rising Kiwi talent Ivan Abele (NZL) and Robert Huisman (NZL) set the tone early, exiting the water first in 23:38.

Fresh off a strong performance in Tauranga, Abele, the youngest pro in the field at 22, showed he belongs at the front of New Zealand’s next generation of professional triathletes. He rode assertively to complete the 90km bike in 2:07:38, holding the lead into T2 as the race favourites Mike Phillips (NZL) and Frederic Funk (GER) closed in behind him.

Phillips and Funk applied pressure, but it was Moody (NZL), fourth off the bike, who once again demonstrated why he is one of New Zealand’s most complete middle-distance athletes.

Moody, who has raced Challenge Wānaka since the very beginning of his professional career, delivered a trademark run performance along the scenic but demanding lakefront course. He reeled in Abele, Funk and Phillips, thrilling spectators as the race unfolded in front of a buzzing 20th anniversary crowd.

Moody crossed the line in 3:51:23 to secure his second Challenge Wānaka title, ahead of Phillips (3:54:11) and Funk (3:54:37).

jack moody challenge wanaka 2026 — Jack Moody heads towards the line [Photo credit: Challenge Family]

“It’s pretty special to get a win here again – it’s never easy,” said Moody. “The swim was slower than expected, it was just cold. The bike course was pretty honest. I was surprised I was able to stay in touch with a few of the powerhouses. When I started the run I knew I’d ridden a bit too hard, it took me about a lap to find my feet. I was very happy to get the win.”

In a milestone moment for Challenge Wānaka, Oliver Pritchard (GBR) made his debut as the world’s first professional deaf triathlete, finishing the course in 4:16:09.