Lake Wanaka Half - 16.01.10

Welcome to the world’s most scenic long distance triathlon (113km), set against the lake and mountain backdrop of Mount Aspiring National Park in New Zealand’s South Island.

Following the internationally renowned Challenge Wanaka course the terrain, remoteness and honesty of the course makes it one of the most memorable. The physical and mental challenges will push athletes to their limits but the enthusiasm and warm welcome of the local supporters is second to none with the resulting atmosphere getting even the most tired competitor across the line.

As an athlete it is essential you are prepared for this very special event. It is a half iron distance with an 'adventure edge' and there are several compulsory elements that you may not encounter at other events. Our aim is to deliver an experience at the Lake Wanaka Half that is both safe and memorable for you. We can't do much about the sore muscles and joints as you run up the finish chute, but we will ensure you are safe on the course at all times.

The weather in Lake Wanaka in January is stunning, and an average day is 26-28 degrees celcius with clear blue skies and very little wind. It is however an alpine environment so athletes must be prepared for all eventualities.

Registration

Event registration opens at 9.00am to 6.00pm on Friday, January 15. The registration venue is the Race Central Marquee on Pembroke Park.

What to bring to registration?

1. Please bring some photo identification - you will not be able to register without it. Passport or drivers license is preferable.
2. To compete in Lake Wanaka Half we require a signed acceptance of the Terms & Conditions of competing in the event. If you have not provided this with your entry (for example - if you entered online) then you will need to do so at registration.

What else to expect...

1. Every individual competitor will be weighed at registration and have their weight recorded by the medical team.
2. To ensure maximum equipment safety during Lake Wanaka Half, only registered competitors or nominated support people may access secure areas to collect gear bags, bikes etc. You nominated support person must produce photo ID or acess will not be granted. Please supply support person details at registration or on your entry form.
3. You will receive your race pack, information, sponsors gifts, transition bags and special needs bags.
4. Extra tickets for the Awards Brunch will be on sale at the Registration on a 'first-come-first-served' basis (we expect to sell out of tickets so please be quick).
5. Any other administrative matters may be addressed at this time.

Red Bull Swim Leg - 1.9km

The swim course is set for Roy's Bay in Lake Wanaka and will start with individuals at 8:15am and teams at 8:20am. The swim cut-off is 9.15am.

The one-lap swim is in the sheltered part of Roy's Bay in Lake Wanaka within easy view of spectators watching from the shore. The course has a deep water start swimming in an anti-clockwise direction with a total of four turn buoys. The average water depth for most of the course is 2.5m although the final leg does have depths of up to 13m.

Lake Wanaka is the warmest lake in the Southern Lakes and is a popular choice for a large range of water sports each summer. The swim course is in crystal clear water so clean you can drink it.

The following rules will apply to the swim :

Wetsuit - compulsory. blueseventy wetsuits are available to hire from blueseventy outlets. Click here to find your nearest retailer.

Event swim cap - compulsory (provided at registration)

Please note that other swim equipment (eg. neoprene swim cap) maybe made compulsory prior to the event. Compulsory gear will be finalised by 5pm Monday, 11 January.

In all likelihood, the swim course temperature in January will be in the region of 15C-17C, and that being the case, we will revise the compulsory requirements for the swim, but you must come prepared to adhere to the above. Those not wearing compulsory gear as specified by the event team on race day will not be allowed to start.

Transition 1 (T1)

Exiting the swim course at Pembroke Park, you will need to collect your T1 (swim to bike) bag and proceed to either the men's or women's changing tents. Once you have changed into your cycling gear, please place all of your swim gear in your T1 bag and leave it in the change tent. One of the Volunteers will collect your T1 bag which will be made available from the 'Gear Collection Area' after the race.

Bikes will be pre-racked (by you) the day before the race in numerical order. Your helmet must be clipped on before unracking your bike, and you must proceed on foot to exit T1 and head out onto the bike course.

Racers Edge Bike Leg - 90km

The 90km bike is over one lap and takes in two of the alpine lakes in the Southern Lakes region.

The course heads out of town winding round the edge of Lake Wanaka towards Mt Aspiring National Park, reaching the Hospital Flat turnaround point at 18km and heading back to the township. After passing through the main race area and crowds of spectators the course climbs to Wanaka Airport before dropping down to Luggate where it takes a left hand turn over the Clutha River and heads towards Lake Hawea. Once at Lake Hawea, the course turns left back towards Wanaka taking a short detour along Riverbank Road to the Cardrona Valley Road before the final 5km downhill and back to transition.

Aid Stations

Aid stations on the bike will be approximately 20km apart. These will have bike bottles with Balance electrolyte drink or water in them.

Drafting

If you are caught drafting you will be penalised and/or disqualified as per the Triathlon NZ regulations. Please read the 'Terms & Conditions' which are part of the entry form for clarification on our drafting rules.

Transition 2 (T2)

Transition 2 is the same as Transition 1. Once you come to the end of the bike, you must dismount before you enter T2 and walking your bike to your rack.

You must once again collect your T2 bag (bike to run) and proceed back to same men's or women's change tents to prepare for the run. Once again, put all of your cycling gear in your T2 bag and leave it in the tent where a marshal will collect it and make it available at the 'Gear Collection Area' after the race.

You then exit T2 along Ardmore Street towards the Lake Wanaka outlet to begin the run.

Run Leg - 21.1km

The run heads towards the Lake Wanaka Outlet Track along the lake edge and follows the Clutha River towards Albert Town.

Once at Dean's Bank (12.5km) the course turns right into Gunn Rd (sharp uphill) right into Aubrey Rd (long gentle downhill), a short detour into Rata Street, left into Totara Terrace, left into Plantation Rd (gentle uphill), right into Lismore Park, veering right out onto Lismore Street, left into Beacon Point Road and then onto Lakeside Road back towards the town centre.

The run course is 50% sealed, 50% gravel and is one lap.

Aid Stations

Aid stations will be positioned approximately every 3km on the run. They will be offering Balance electrolyte drink and Balance gels. Sponges will also be handed out on request.

At the finish

As you come up the finish chute, take a little time to reflect on what you have achieved, and relish the experience of finishing the Lake Wanaka Half.

Once under the finish gantry, each competitor will be assessed by the medical team and be guided through the recovery tent where a well-earned food, drink and congratulations await you!

Please note that the cut off time of 3.15pm will be strictly adhered to to ensure a clear finish chute for the winners of Challenge Wanaka. Any athletes on course after this time will be stopped at a holding point on Lakeside Road until the first three Challenge Wanaka winners have crossed the line. The Half athletes will then be allowed to continue but will be listed on the results as a DNF. We strongly encourage you to keep up the training to avoid any disappointments!