Challenge Wanaka 2012 entries opened this week for the world’s most scenic iron distance race set in New Zealand’s Southern Alps. After testing conditions at the recent 2011 event, it has also earned the reputation as being one of the world’s toughest.

New Zealander Jamie Whyte triumphed over conditions to claim the Challenge Wanaka title in the breakthrough race of his career while multiple iron distance champion, Belinda Granger (AUS) took out the women’s title, repeating her success in the inaugural Challenge Wanaka in 2007.

One of the first to enter Challenge Wanaka 2012 was 73-year-old Garth Barfoot from Auckland who has competed in every event either in a team or as an individual.

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“My meteorological readings from previous Wanaka race days show me the wind is really strong (over 40kph) every second year and the water is really cold (below 16C) every third year. That makes 2012 the year to be there,” he said. “With my finish times approximating the cut off times, it is the challenge in the Challenge that keeps me coming back but that does not mean I cannot be picky about the years I choose to enter as an individual. Age, fortunately, does bring some wisdom!”

Garth Barfoot is also competing in the inaugural Challenge Henley-on-Thames in the UK in September and joining him is Challenge Wanaka 2011’s eldest individual competitor, John Smart of Auckland, whom Garth sponsored with flights and entry, perhaps seeking some good company on course! In previous years, he has sponsored Challenge Wanaka’s eldest team to the world’s largest iron distance triathlon, Challenge Roth in Germany.

Challenge Wanaka is part of the global Challenge Family series featuring 12 events around the globe in Germany, France, Denmark, Spain, Austria, UK and Australia, as well as New Zealand.

To enter Challenge Wanaka 2012, visit www.challenge-wanaka.com. Early bird prices of $495 for an individual and $650 for a team end on 28 February 2011. Entries close on 30 November 2011.

ENDS

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