New record set: Today’s Challenge Wānaka winners
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WĀNAKA, NEW ZEALAND — The 20th anniversary of the Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka Festival of Triathlon delivered world-class racing, emotional moments and a fitting celebration of two decades of endurance sport in New Zealand.
More than 3,100 athletes took part across three days of racing, with 376 athletes — including 22 professionals — lining up for the iconic Half distance triathlon event in what proved to be one of the most exciting editions in the race’s history.
Winners:
Men: Jack Moody (New Zealand) – 3:51:23
Women: Tamara Jewett (Canada) – 4:29:39
Highlights:
• Jack Moody secured his second Challenge Wānaka victory with a strong performance – coming from fourth place off the bike to take the top place during the run.
• Wānaka local Rebecca Clarke led the entire race before being overtaken by Tamara Jewett during the final stretch of the run, with Jewett claiming her first Challenge Wānaka win.
• A cold start to the day (10degC) meant challenging racing conditions for athletes coming out of the water - warming up for a hot run.
• More than 3100 athletes for the 20th anniversary triathlon festival – 376 athletes, including 22 in the pro field, taking the start line for the Half today.
• Community events and festival activities attract strong local and national support.
Race Summary - A race worthy of 20 years!
The day began with a brisk 10°C start and a choppy 1.9km swim in Lake Wānaka, immediately testing athletes.
In the men’s field, rising Kiwi talent Ivan Abele (NZL) and Robert Huisman (NZL) set the tone early, exiting the water first in 23:38. Fresh off a strong performance in Tauranga, Abele showed he belongs at the front of New Zealand’s next generation of professional triathletes. He rode assertively to complete the 90km bike in 2:07:38, holding the lead into T2 as the race favourites Mike Phillips and Frederic Funk closed in behind him.
Mike Phillips and Frederic Funk applied pressure, but it was Jack Moody — fourth off the bike — who once again demonstrated why he is one of New Zealand’s most complete middle-distance athletes.
Moody, who has raced Challenge Wānaka since the very beginning of his professional career, delivered a trademark run performance along the scenic but demanding lakefront course. He reeled in Abele, Funk and Phillips, thrilling spectators as the race unfolded in front of a buzzing 20th anniversary crowd.
Jack Moody:
“It’s pretty special to get a win here again — it’s never easy. The swim was slower than expected, it was just cold. The bike course was pretty honest. I was surprised I was able to stay in touch with a few of the powerhouses. When I started the run I knew I’d ridden a bit too hard — it took me about a lap to find my feet. I was very happy to get the win.”
Jack Moody (NZL) crossed the finish line in 3:51:23 to claim the 2026 title, followed by Mike Phillips (NZL) in 3:54:11 and Frederic Funk (GER) in 3:54:37.
The women’s race was equally gripping.
Wānaka local Rebecca Clarke (NZL) led decisively out of the water (25:06) and controlled much of the race, with Danielle Donaldson (NZL) and Gabrielle Lumkes (USA) close behind. Clarke maintained her advantage through the bike, entering T2 still in command.
Tamara Jewett (CAN) began the run in fifth place, having battled illness throughout race week. But the Canadian is known for her run strength, and the lakefront course became her stage.
Gradually moving through the field, Jewett closed the gap with relentless consistency. In a dramatic final stretch setting a new course record of 1.21:26 held since 2020. She overtook Gabrielle Lumkes and then Clarke to claim victory in 4:29:39 — just over a minute ahead of Clarke (4:30:43), with Lumkes third in 4:30:46.
Tamara Jewett:
“I’ve been sick all week, so when I came off the bike I was around fifth place and really thought the podium was out of sight. I was not feeling great — I was gritting my teeth and getting through it.
The course is gorgeous — one of the most beautiful run courses I’ve ever been on. None of it is fast, with punchy hills and chip seal and gravel. Being able to build momentum was a great confidence boost — I’m proud I just kept working it.”
In a milestone moment for Challenge Wānaka, Oliver Pritchard (GBR) made his debut as the world’s first professional deaf triathlete, finishing the course in 4:16:09.
Celebrating 20 Years
From just 85 athletes in 2007 to more than 3,100 competitors across the 2026 festival, Challenge Wānaka has grown into one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most iconic triathlon events.
Event Director Jane Sharman reflected on the milestone:
“The 2026 Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka Festival of Triathlon has been a huge success. It’s been incredibly special to reflect on 20 years of Challenge Wānaka — how it’s grown from humble beginnings in 2007 to what it is today.
It’s more than a race — it’s where community, adventure and personal achievement meet.
A highlight has been reconnecting with some of the original athletes, watching the pros put on a show, and seeing the next generation — like Ivan — step up and race with courage.
Town has been buzzing, there have been plenty of smiles, and we simply couldn’t do it without our partners and incredible volunteers.”
As the sun set on the 20th year, one thing was clear — the legacy of Challenge Wānaka continues to grow, fuelled by community spirit and world-class racing.
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