Jan
16
2010

The Worlds Most Scenic Triathlon

An article by Debi Hazelden

Challenge Wanaka has been rated in the top 10 long distance scenic triathlons of the world. I’d definitely agree. Not that I did the race myself! I came here to do the Wanaka Contact Triathlon the day before Challenge Wanaka. My partner Scott did the Lake Wanaka Half. Scott is from Owaka and loads of people came from there to compete this year, including his dad Keith who competed in the swim.

The Full Challenge

It was such a great day watching all the competitors. I had a friend Keegan WIlliams racing in the full Challenge. It was so exciting, he came 2nd last year, Keegan came out of the swim 3rd behind Brian Fuller and Andrew Black. But by the time he’d finished the bike he was in 2nd place with Richard Ussher in front by a couple of minutes. I get so excited watching and listening to the commentary. Keegan ended up 3rd after Richard Ussher and Justin Daerr. Great race!

It’s great to see the competitors come through town after a short ride out to Glendhu Bay and back. It’s a pity the competitors don’t come through town a few times on the run course. It ends up being a long day for the supporters too!

Wanaka definitely put on a show for all the guests. It was still 28 degrees at 6pm in the evening.

Lake Wanaka Half

This was Scotts 2nd Half Ironman race after doing the Lake Hood Half in Ashburton in November this year. He did so well, coming out 15th in the swim, only 3.5mins behind the leader. That was pretty exciting to watch him come in the 2nd bunch. There was a small hill up a platform after the swim. It went up and over the road. A great wee tester! Scott below running over the platform after the swim.

Where did he go? He seemed to be taking a long time in transition… Then it’s onto the bike, they bike to Glendhu Bay and back through town so we get to cheer them on again before they head off for a longer ride. Scott below heading past on his way through after coming back from Glendhu Bay. Looking Good in his new tri shorts he got for Christmas!

24th On the bike with a time of 2:42 that’s awesome! He flew through transition. 4th fastest time! Then out for the 21km run – and not a flat one! Looking great at this point! After about 7km he unfortunately got cramp for most of the run. Only his 2nd Half Ironman through so always heaps to learn.

Scott finished 16th overall in a time of 4:48:53. I’m so proud!

Go us!! My triathlon buddy Lily(on the right) and I supporting all the competitors

It was so inspirational watching the teams and older competitors arrive in at 10pm in the evening. I loved it. Definitely makes me want to do a half ironman in 2010 or 2011. Just depends if I end up going to the sprint distance world champs in September 2010 as to what distances I can train for.