Challenge Wānaka Multi
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About the race
The Challenge Wānaka Multi is a multisport event in Lake Wānaka, New Zealand that combines paddling, mountain biking and trail running across measured course sections. The full multisport format comprises a 25 km kayak, a 45 km mountain bike and a 14 km trail run. A duathlon option omits the kayak and includes the 45 km mountain bike and 14 km trail run.
Distances:
- 25 km kayak
- 45 km mountain bike
- 14 km trail run
The kayak section starts outside the Wānaka Watersports facility and follows Lake Wānaka to the Clutha River outlet, then downriver to a gravel exit above the Luggate Red Bridge. The river section is classed as Grade 2 and may include wave trains, eddies and shallow rock hazards; new competitors must provide a Grade 2 kayak certificate and tandem steering paddlers must hold a full Grade 2 certificate. Mandatory kayak equipment and flotation requirements are specified.
The bike course begins on the Newcastle Track and combines flowing singletrack, trail and short road sections, finishing on the Deans Bank Trail. Gravel bikes are permitted in the same category as mountain bikes. No aero bars or e-bikes are allowed. The run follows river tracks and foreshore routes back to the Wānaka Watersports Facility.
Event categories include individual and team options, secondary school divisions, and tandem teams. Course and transition cut-off rules apply and are enforced. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
