This event has passed
This event took place on 19 Feb, 2026 (Thu)
Thursday 19 February 2026
Challenge Wānaka: Junior Challenge
Wānaka, Pembroke Park
The race
About this course
The Puzzling World Junior Challenge, part of the Challenge Wānaka Festival, caters to young athletes in Years 1 to 6. The event provides an engaging platform for children to engage in triathlon activities in a secure and encouraging setting. Participants experience a variety of race formats tailored to their school year, ranging from duathlons for the youngest competitors to a combination of swimming, mountain biking, and running for older children.
The course highlights include a swim in the clear waters of Lake Wānaka for participants in Years 4 to 6, with the lake’s scenic backdrop adding to the experience. All events feature a bike segment along the picturesque lakefront and conclude with a run that allows each participant the exhilarating opportunity to cross the official Challenge Wānaka finish line via a red carpet, mirroring the finish of a professional triathlon.
This event not only introduces children to the sport of triathlon but does so in an iconic setting that emphasizes safety and community spirit, making it a memorable part of the larger Challenge Wānaka Festival.
| Year Level | Event Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Years 1 to 3 | Duathlon | 250 m run, 1 km MTB, 250 m run |
| Year 4 | Triathlon | 50 m swim, 3 km MTB, 1 km run |
| Year 5 | Triathlon | 100 m swim, 3 km MTB, 1 km run |
| Year 6 | Triathlon | 150 m swim, 3 km MTB, 2 km run |
What to expect
Race day conditions
Terrain and altitude come from the course. Weather is a ten-year average for this date, not a forecast.
Weather data by Open-Meteo(opens in a new tab).
Getting there
Event location
12 Dungarvon Street, Wānaka 9305, New ZealandGet directions(opens in a new tab)
From runners
What runners wish they’d known
Event details and map location come from public information on the official event website(opens in a new tab). If a listing looks out of date, or you need exact start lines and course maps, check the official source or email [email protected].
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