Thursday, 12 January 2012

Spectators can enjoy New Zealand's largest triathlon festival, Challenge Wanaka, even more when the race kicks off on 21 January with the addition of a monster screen in the centre of the lakeside town featuring live aerial coverage from the swim, bike and run courses.

Combined with the expert commentary of Radio Sport's Mark Watson and leading Australian commentator, Pete Murray, spectators on the ground can follow the thrill of the race as the world's elite triathletes battle it out over 226km for a share of the NZ$80,000 prize purse, New Zealand's richest iron distance prize purse.

Spectators around the globe can also experience the world's most scenic iron distance race with the same live coverage will be broadcast around the world through www.challengewanaka.com, accompanied by live timing updates. Virtual spectators can also access the new Challenge SmartPhone site at m.challengewanaka.com to receive live on-course updates, athlete trackers, results, images and course maps.

Challenge Wanaka will feature 1,300 athletes from 30 nations including top contenders Gina Crawford (NZL), eight times iron distance champion; defending champion Jamie Whyte (NZL), iron distance champion Aaron Farlow (AUS), Challenge Barcelona champion, Jimmy Johnsen (DEN) and 70.3 champion, Christie Sym (AUS). Challenge Wanaka is part of the Challenge Family global series of long distance triathlons featuring 13 races on three continents.

For further information, visit www.challenge-wanaka.com.