They will race across a challenging 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21km run, alongside a strong field of elite male triathletes competing for glory, not cash.
All eyes will be on the athletes and the newly restructured event, which aims to bring excitement, competition and a sense of community to the heart of Wanaka once again.
In a bid to ensure long-term sustainability, the Challenge Wānaka Charitable Trust has made several adjustments.
These include reducing the festival length to three days and removing certain events, including the open-water swim.
Additionally, the course has been moved from Glendhu Bay to a town-based hub in Wanaka’s central business district, with redesigned bike and run courses.
Race director Jane Sharman said concerns arose last year regarding the event’s sustainability after media reports revealed reserve funds had been depleted and entry numbers were low.
Ms Sharman said that entry numbers had improved and surpassed last year’s figures, meeting targets set by the trust; so far, there were 2655 entries.
‘‘The reality is the Challenge Wānaka Trust and I have worked really hard to make sure the event is financially viable this year and sustainable going forward,’’ she said.
A 2024 survey of stakeholders, athletes, spectators, businesses and residents revealed 95% of respondents wanted the race to return to Wanaka’s town centre.
Ms Sharman emphasised that the decision was driven by the desire to make the race more visible, accessible and integrated with local businesses.
‘‘There were many benefits to holding the race at Glendhu Bay, but feedback showed a clear desire for the race to be in town,’’ she said.
Ms Sharman this week said professional triathlete Mike Phillips, of Christchurch, who finished second in both 2023 and last year, would return as the top seed for the event.
Despite there being no prize pool this year, Phillips is among at least eight elite male athletes entering the race, many of whom are gearing up for the Taupo Ironman on March 1, or simply want to experience the unique Wānaka event.
The Challenge Wānaka Half is also an official qualifying race for the prestigious Challenge Family Championship, to take place in Samorin, Slovakia, on May 18.
Phillips, a regular competitor at Challenge Wānaka, spoke fondly of the race.
‘‘I’ve raced Challenge Wānaka over both the full and half distance, and no matter where I race in the world, this event is still one of my favourites.
‘‘The stunning scenery, incredible community support and the tough but rewarding nature of the race keep bringing me back year after year.’’
In a change from previous years, there will be no elite female category.
However, local athlete Danielle Donaldson, a rising star in the triathlon world, will be the hometown hero to watch as she continues her journey towards the professional ranks.
With a new course layout, the trust said it was focused on improving the spectator experience while minimising disruptions to local traffic.
The 2025 race would involve fewer road closures and reduced traffic management costs, which totalled about $70,000 last year.
Roads would be reopened about 12.30pm, ensuring minimal impact on businesses and the local community.
