The Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka Half has confirmed the return of elite international athlete racing for its 20th anniversary celebrations in February 2026, with German triathlete Frederic Funk headlining the event in New Zealand.
As the second-ever Challenge Family event (following Challenge Roth in Germany), Challenge Wānaka has been a popular destination for athletes seeking a non-drafting test across demanding alpine terrain.
The professional field features a mix of elite international triathletes and top-tier local talent:
- Frederic Funk (GER): One of the world’s premier middle-distance athletes, Funk is renowned for his bike power. After a successful 2025 season that saw him finish fifth at Challenge Roth and third at IRONMAN Switzerland, Funk is making his New Zealand debut.
- Tom Bishop (GBR): A veteran of the Olympic and ITU circuits, Bishop has successfully transitioned to middle-distance racing. In 2024, he set a British record for the fastest full-distance time at Challenge Roth (7:37:54) before finishing second overall.
- Lucy Byram (GBR): Emerging as a powerhouse in the T100 series, Byram recently placed 11th at the T100 World Championship Final in Qatar. Her 2025 season also included a fourth-place finish at the French Riviera T100.
- Bec Clarke (NZL): A local favourite and a strong presence on the international circuit, Clarke finished 33rd at the 2025 IRONMAN World Championship in Hawaii and claimed a podium spot at IRONMAN 70.3 Taupō in late 2024.
Other confirmed professional athletes include:
- Bailey Tuddenham (AUS)
- Oliver Pritchard (AUS)
- Gabrielle Lumkes (CAN)
- Megan Armitage (NZL)
- Danielle Donaldson (NZL)
Commenting on his Wanaka debut, Frederic Funk said “Over the past few years, I’ve heard so many great things about Challenge Wānaka that it quickly became a bucket-list race for me.
“This race will be especially meaningful for me; in October, I suffered a serious bike crash and broke my elbow. The comeback has been far from easy, and standing on the start line in Wānaka will mean a great deal.”
Bec Clarke said “Racing in front of a home crowd is always special. Having a pro field in 2026 for the 20-year celebration is important for inspiring the next generation and bringing in international athletes. I’m proud to line up alongside such a strong international group.”
From its inception in 2007, Challenge Wānaka has built on its community spirit. The course, consisting of a 1.9km swim in Lake Wānaka, a 90km bike towards Mt Aspiring National Park, and a 21.1km run along the lakefront, is considered one of the most scenic yet punishing in the Southern Hemisphere.
Jane Sharman, Event Director, said “We’re delighted to be celebrating 20 years of Challenge Wānaka with a professional field of this calibre. This race has always attracted athletes who value racing on a challenging course, and the 2026 pro field embodies that spirit.”
