A race taking place for the very first time at next year’s Challenge Wānaka Triathlon Festival has been selected as a qualifying world championship event. 

The inaugural Earshots Challenge Wanaka Cross Triathlon, which will take place on February 18, will feature a 1500m Glendhu Bay swim, a 32km Glendhu Bike Park ride, and finish with a 10.5km train run through the park’s tracks.

“It is incredibly exciting [for this race] to have been chosen as a qualifier for the World Championships, especially in the first year of the event,” Challenge Wānaka race director Bill Roxburgh said. 

“We should have a fantastic race on our hands with athletes battling it out for a much-coveted spot at the World Champs.”

Qualifiers will get the opportunity to compete at the 2023 World Championships in Ibiza, Spain, two months after Challenge Wānaka, Triathlon NZ community manager Mel Saltiel said.

Challenge Wānaka features a wide range of events for all ages and abilities.

The festival’s Aquabike rice has also been confirmed as a secondary qualifier for the 2023 World Championships.

In addition, the first overall male and female winner will also receive flights up to the value of $2,500 NZD and an accommodation subsidy.

Challenge Wānaka, New Zealand’s largest triathlon festival, will take place between February 16 and 18 at Glendhu Bay Station, near Wānaka.

The festival features a wide range of events for all ages and abilities - from the Puzzling World Challenge Wānaka Mini for preschoolers up to the elite Challenge Wānaka Half - and brings athletes from all over to Wānaka. 

It will take place next February at the scenic Glendhu Bay Station. 

Entries are now open and Bill encourages members of the public to peruse the events and consider signing up. 

Find out more about next year’s Challenge Wānaka events here.

PHOTOS: Challenge Wanaka