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Challenge Wanaka today announced a significant increase in competitor numbers for the internationally renowned iron distance triathlon, due to take place on January 17, 2009.

Compared to the same time last year, team entries have increased by 62% while individual entries are up 33% with the total number of 2009 athletes now exceeding 2008 race day numbers.

"We are thrilled to see such a huge increase in numbers and we've still got over four months until race day," said race director, Victoria Murray-Orr. "Entries are coming in from all four corners of the world as well as a strong representation from throughout New Zealand. These figures show that Challenge Wanaka is well on its way to becoming a significant sporting event, not just for the South Island, but New Zealand as a whole. We will continue to work hard, together with our sponsors and other stakeholders, to keep growing the event, attracting even more visitors to the world's most scenic iron distance triathlon here in Lake Wanaka."

For 2009, Challenge Wanaka has grown into a week-long triathlon festival with the inclusion of the Puzzling World Junior Challenge Wanaka and the Tri NZ Contact Cup sprint series, as well as other smaller events. The flagship iron distance event on Saturday January 17 will see athletes line up to take on the 226km course, either as individuals or as part of a team. They will complete the 3.8km swim, 180km bike and 42.2km run in anything between 8.5 and 15 hours with the final competitors crossing the line to a welcome of fireworks and thousands of cheering spectators.