Wanaka will host a round of the Sovereign Tri Series tomorrow morning, when the Triathlon New Zealand-run event returns to the lakeside resort after a two-year absence.
The event was traditionally hosted on the Friday evening of the Challenge Wanaka long-distance triathlon weekend.
Challenge has moved to a new February 22 date this year and tomorrow's triathlon will offer a good training run for the bigger race next month, organisers say.
Participants will complete a Lake Wanaka swim, then transition in Pembroke Park for a bike ride on part of the course used for Challenge on Wanaka-Mt Aspiring Road, before returning to the park to begin the run course.
The distances include the standard 1500m swim, 40km bike, 10km run, as well as a short distance option with both off-road and on-road courses, meaning mountain bikes can be used.
Tri NZ chief executive Craig Waugh said the event had received good support from the local business community and council and he looked forward to building a successful event in Wanaka over the next few years.
''Wanaka is such a stunning location and the Central Otago region is a hub of multisport and triathlon events, so we are delighted to be back.
''It is critical that we get that support from the community and have offered a variety of distances and options to suit all abilities.''
The event also recognises more serious age group athletes, with the standard distance race awarding South Island Championship status and serving as a secondary selection event for the ITU World Age Group Championships in Chicago later this year.
Team racing is an option in all race distances.
The event is being held in partnership with today's The Ruby swim race, also in Wanaka. Participants entering both events receive a 10% discount on their Sovereign Tri Wanaka entry fee.
