The 16th Integrity Homes Challenge Wanaka Festival will return for 2022 between February 17-19, and will feature the traditional bike course for the Aquabike and Challenge Half.

The traditional course goes through Wanaka township, past Lake Hāwea and loops back around near Wanaka Airport and Mount Barker.

Challenge Wanaka used a different course this year but had decided to return to its original course after feedback from athletes, organisers said.

Challenge Wanaka champion Dougal Allan said it was "great to see the race return to the old bike course”.

The three-day Challenge Wanaka Festival comprises a range of events, with four events on February 17, one on February 18 and two more on February 19.

“We are looking at having events in Wanaka on the Friday [February 18] night as well, to increase our presence in town for the community,” Challenge Wanaka race director Bill Roxburgh said.

“Over the next few months we will be working on the viability of this and liaising with local businesses and community groups to try and make that happen.”

As well as a return to the traditional bike course, the run course will also see a change in 2022, with the run along the Motatapu Road being removed and athletes running two laps of the Bike Glendhu course. 

2021 silver medallist (professional female) Rebecca Clarke said she was excited about the course.

“It's challenging, the scenery is spectacular taking you to Lake Hāwea and back to Glendhu Bay with hills, flats and descents along the way.”

Challenge Wanaka Festival is organised by the Challenge Wanaka Charitable Trust and incorporates events to suit all abilities and ages. 

Check out all the race events and find more details about Challenge Wanaka here.

PHOTO: Challenge Wanaka