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LAKE WANAKA, New Zealand (November 26, 2009) - Triathletes crossing the finish line at Challenge Wanaka in January will receive their medals and a congratulations from one of New Zealand's sporting superstars, Samantha Warriner.

The Commonwealth Games silver medallist, ITU World Cup Champion and World Aquathon Champion will also commentate at the event providing spectators with an informed insight in the sport of triathlon.

Having raced in over 60 World Cup or World Championship events plus multiple iron distances, she will let the crowds know exactly how the athletes are feeling during their gruelling 226km race, as well as the tactics involved and also the preparation required to succeed at triathlon's ultimate distance.

"I love all aspects of triathlon, and can't wait to be part of so many people's big day down in Wanaka," she said. "The effort, sacrifice, and ultimately the sense of personal achievement when competing in an event such as Challenge is just the same whether you're racing yourself for a personal best or you're racing the best in the world for a podium place, I just can't wait to be in Wanaka and share all the athletes' day, it'll be a real honour to be involved!"

Challenge Wanaka race director, Victoria Murray-Orr, said it will be a privilege to work with a sportsperson of Sam's calibre.

"We’re thrilled to have Sam as part of the team and are very much looking forward to working with her as we continue to grow the Challenge experience here in New Zealand."

Sam will also race in the national Contact Tri Series in Wanaka on Friday January 15.

New Zealand's top long distance triathletes, Gina Crawford (nee Ferguson) and Richard Ussher will both race Challenge Wanaka on 16 January 2010, taking on triathlon's ultimate distance in the spectacular alpine setting of New Zealand's South Island.

Crawford and Ussher hold the New Zealand women's and men's iron distance records respectively, both earned at Challenge Wanaka's sister event and the world's largest long distance triathlon, Challenge Roth in Germany. Crawford's time of 8:57:18 earned her third place in 2008 while Ussher also took third place with 8:02:15 in 2009.

The women's field sees a number of new faces taking on the tough 226km Wanaka course and challenging Crawford's title. Former ITU world champion, European champion and multiple Ironman winner Lisbeth Kristensen (DEN) has confirmed her start spot, as has Dutch national long distance champion Irene Kinnegim.

The men's field sees the return of reigning champion, Chris McDonald (AUS) as well as 2008 champion and eight times Inferno winner, Marc Pschebizin (GER). Possibly the world's most prolific iron distance athlete, Petr Vabrousek (CZE) is also returning for another crack at the title. They are joined by Justin Daerr (USA), rising Kiwi star, Keegan Williams who took out second in 2009 and Brian Fuller (AUS) who won the 18-24 age group at the World Championships in 2006 before becoming a professional athlete.

Challenge Wanaka is New Zealand's fastest growing iron distance triathlon and part of the global series of Challenge long distance races that includes Germany, France, Spain, Denmark, Austria as well as New Zealand. The race is the flagship event of the Challenge Wanaka Triathlon Festival that runs from 10-16 January 2010 and also includes Puzzling World Junior Challenge Wanaka, the Radio Wanaka 5km Fun Run, Swim the Course, Contact Cup Sprint Triathlon and the Lake Wanaka Half.