The elite field has been confirmed for this week’s Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka Half, marking the final countdown to the 20th edition of the event.
Under the organisation of Event Director Jane Sharman, the three-day festival in central Wānaka, New Zealand, begins on Thursday February 19, 2026, and concludes on Saturday February 21, 2026.
More than 3,000 athletes, including a professional field of 22, are expected to take part in the anniversary celebrations. The event has reported strong growth since its inception; the 2026 edition marks 20 years since just 85 athletes stood on the start line in 2007.
The elite field features professional athletes from New Zealand, Australia, Great Britain, Germany, Switzerland, Canada, and the United States. Competitors will take on a 1.9km swim in Lake Wānaka, a 90km bike leg towards Mt Aspiring National Park, and a 21.1km run along the lakefront.
In the men’s field, New Zealand’s Mike Phillips enters as one of the favourites. A three-time IRONMAN New Zealand champion and consistent international performer, Phillips has stood on the Wānaka podium before – but a professional title here has remained elusive. On home soil, he will see the 2026 season as a prime opportunity.
Two-time Challenge Wānaka champion Jack Moody returns with the confidence of previous wins. Moody’s familiarity with the Wānaka course, along with his strong bike–run combination, makes him one of the athletes to watch.
Jack Moody said “I’m incredibly excited to see Challenge Wānaka back on the domestic pro calendar. It’s a race I’ve supported since the start of my professional career – I haven’t missed a pro start here.”
Germany’s Frederic Funk will make his debut appearance at Challenge Wānaka this month. Funk is one of the world’s highest-ranked middle-distance triathletes and is renowned for his bike power and consistency on the international stage.
A strong Kiwi contingent of emerging and established professionals, such as Brett Clifford, Scott Harpham, Tom Somerville, Robert Huisman, and Ivan Abele, adds further depth to the men’s field.
The women’s elite field includes Great Britain’s Lucy Byram, who is the highest-ranked athlete in the field at 16th in the world. Making her Challenge Wānaka debut, Byram brings an international pedigree that includes five podium finishes and three wins within the Challenge Family series.
Canada’s Tamara Jewett, regarded as one of the fastest runners in middle-distance racing, is expected to influence the race dynamics during the half marathon. American athlete Gabrielle Lumkes has also been preparing locally, having spent the New Zealand summer training in Wānaka to gain course familiarity.
Leading the New Zealand contingent is Rebecca Clarke. Known as one of the fastest swimmers in the sport, she brings experience and home support as she targets the podium.
This Saturday, more than 800 athletes will line up for the middle-distance event, including 152 teams across corporate, mixed, and gender categories. The festival also includes the Mitre 10 Mega Wānaka Adaptive Challenge featuring 50 adaptive athletes, and over 2,100 children participating in junior and school challenges.
Jane Sharman, Event Director at Challenge Wānaka, said “This event has always been about more than racing. It’s about courage, connection, and celebrating what’s possible – whether you’re five years old, an adaptive athlete, or racing professionally on the world stage.”
Event schedule
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Puzzling World Junior Challenge & Mini (Preschool) Challenge
Friday, February 20
Puzzling World Intermediate Challenge
Mitre 10 Mega Wānaka Adaptive Challenge
Secondary Schools Challenge
Saturday, February 21
Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka Half
Gallagher Insurance Corporate Trophy
Garth Barfoot Aquabike