A chilly morning did not put off large numbers of athletes and their supporters attending Challenge Wanaka on Saturday. "The final numbers for this year’s event represent remarkable growth for Challenge Wānaka. Athletes completed a 1.9km swim in Lake Wānaka, a 90km bike ride towards Mount Aspiring National Park and a 21.1km run along the lakefront. Challenge athlete Jackie Connell, of Christchurch, said she had been practising rain, hail or shine to compete in the swim portion of Challenge Wanaka with her sons under the team name "Mum Fit and Sons". Anna Ramsey, of Balclutha, said she and her friends had entered the challenge "because it looked fun".

Source: Otago Daily Times February 22, 2026 18:20 UTC