Challenge Wānaka has announced that entries for the 2027 Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka will open on May 15, 2026. The announcement includes the introduction of a new 100km format in 2027 for the event weekend’s flagship middle-distance race, marking a change for the long-standing New Zealand multisport festival.
The Challenge Wānaka 100 will take place on Saturday, February 20, 2027. The event organisers are developing course enhancements to reflect the evolution of the event, with further details expected in the coming weeks.
From 2027, the event formerly known as the Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka Half will become the Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka 100. This new distance features a 2km swim, 80km bike, and 18km run. The 100km distance aligns with PTO’s Triathlon World Tour and follows the recent acquisition of Challenge Family by PTO.
The Challenge Wānaka team in New Zealand added that the move aligns with the direction of the international Challenge Family series and its transition alongside the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO). This shift is part of a move toward a more unified international racing structure from the start of the 2027 season.
Jane Sharman, Race Director at Challenge Wānaka, said “This is an exciting evolution for Challenge Wānaka and for the sport as a whole. The 100km distance reflects where triathlon is heading globally, while still delivering the challenge, stunning backdrop, and community feel that athletes love about racing here.”
Sharman added “We’re proud to be part of an international series that continues to innovate and grow, and we’re looking forward to bringing this new format to Wānaka in 2027.”
The festival celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2026 and is delivered by the Challenge Wānaka Sports Trust. As a charitable organisation, the trust focuses on community wellbeing and supports youth, adaptive athletes, and local charities through sport.
Sharman continued “While the format is evolving, what makes Challenge Wānaka special remains unchanged. It’s the people, the place, and the experience – and we’re excited to welcome athletes back for this next chapter.”
The 2027 festival weekend is scheduled to run from February 18–20, 2027, in the alpine setting of the Southern Lakes region in New Zealand.
www.challenge-wanaka.com
www.challenge-family.com
www.protriathletes.org
