More than 260 athletes will take on the Challenge Wānaka Multi tomorrow (Saturday October 19).

This year’s event features a 50 percent increase in athlete participation on last year, which organisers said highlights its growing appeal.

Several notable athletes will return for the event, including last year’s champion and 2024 Coast to Coast winner, Hamish Elliot, who is returning to defend his title and test his early-season fitness. 

“It’s a great way to kick off the racing season,” Hamish said. “I’ve always loved the atmosphere here, and Wãnaka is such an epic place to race.”

Racers also include Olympian Nathan Cohen, who brings his experience from the Coast to Coast, and local favourite Arna Craig, defending her duathlon category title after a recent gold medal at the Cross Triathlon World Championships.

The event will kick off at 8am at the Wānaka Watersports Facility, where athletes will start with a 25km kayak on Lake Wānaka, followed by a 43km mountain bike ride to Lake Hāwea and back and ending with a 14km trail run.

A duathlon option is also available for those preferring to skip the kayaking leg.

Locals can cheer athletes on from the starting line on the shores of Lake Wānaka or spot them in a range of different locations throughout the day. 

PHOTO: Supplied