Feedback

Not our words but those of the athletes and spectators, echoed many times over from Challenge Wanaka 2008.

In simple terms, It was the best day out our team have had in years, before the race was over the our team had decided to re enter the 2009 race. We are coming back and training has started.
SB – New Zealand

I am just emailing to thank you all so much for what was truly the best race I have ever competed at. The atmosphere all around the course was just electric and to be in contention for as long as I was, was totally unexpected. The swim was magnificent as was the scenery on the bike and the 15k of the run I saw was certainly tough but what a great course.
SF – Scotland

I would like to thank you and your team for a great experience at Challenge Wanaka. Everyone we meet was great from the first contact with the registration ladies, the pasta party, race officials, the course setters (especially that sadist Mike, for his run course), the volunteers at the finish line who helped return sanity and functionality. Once again thank you for a great life experience
RH – Australia

The volunteers were fantastic - always with smile and an encouraging word - just when I needed it, at every aid station and especially at the finish.
JS – New Zealand

I have been a spectator at Challenge Wanaka for the last two races. What a spectacular and inspiring event. I have finally convinced two mates to form a team - expect our entry soon.
BG – New Zealand

A huge congratulations on a great event… Please promise me you will try to keep that original bike and run course. As the event grows you will be pressured to change it to make it more spectator friendly. It is unique and one of the only courses like it in the world! The actual race day was flawless. You should be proud.
MS – Australia

To the people of Wanaka
I met you doing it tough on the run course. It was my first marathon under very challenging conditions and on a challenging course. You the people of Wanaka were on the streets, your balconies, in your front yards and on the lonely dusty parts of the outlet track for hours on end. You were full of praise and encouragement, you put out your sprinklers for our use and buckets of ice for us to eat. Your generosity, time and words were incredible. I will never forget the support you lent that made the event so special. I would like to extend a very special thanks to all the volunteers on the course and in particular on the run course. The drink stations were oasis’s in the desert for me. You were extremely friendly, kind and encouraging. We as competitors could not have wanted for any more. Thank you!
SM – New Zealand

Just wanted to pass on my congratulations to you and all your team on the successful raceday. It is a great course, and the perfect town to host such an event. The atmosphere late into the evening was fantastic, and I don't think that anyone who was there could help but be very inspired by it all. Things are looking good for the future!
KS – Australia

Firstly congratulations to you and your team for putting on such a fabulous event! Our team at Wanaka Homestead was the first local team home and we were all amazed by how incredibly well organised the event was. We will certainly be entering a team again next year and will support and promote the event in any way that we can.
ES – New Zealand

I was a spectator – supporting my husband and some friends – at Challenge Wanaka and I just wanted to thank you for putting on such a great event. I was really impressed at the professional attitude and friendliness of all the race officials I encountered in the transition and recovery areas as well as out on the course. Together with the warmth and humour of the spectators, and the athletes themselves for that matter, it made for a very special day.
KS – New Zealand

I was one of the Age-group competitors who raced on Saturday and I just wanted to say thank you for an excellent day. The organisation was low-key but superb, the course was great & the volunteers and officials were all wonderful. I remember riding through one of the bike aid stations (on Stone Rd) too fast to grab a banana and being chased by a volunteer determined that I wouldn't miss out. At other aid stations there were always smiles, claps & words of encouragement. My wife was on the sidelines in and around Wanaka for most of the day and said it was one of the most fun days she's ever had.
DC – New Zealand

Far-out! Without a doubt the best organized event I have competed in or been a part of. You all deserve a very warm glow of contentment from a job well done. I have no doubt Wanaka will be an Icon event.
TD – New Zealand

Thanks for putting on such a great race, it was very well organised on a course that was quite a tough one! Will be back again next year, and hopefully bring some more competitors across with me!
TB – Australia