Challenge Wānaka is proud to announce the launch of the 2026 Mitre 10 MEGA Wānaka Adaptive Challenge, timed to coincide with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The Adaptive Challenge continues to grow as one of the most inspiring, inclusive, and celebrated events within the Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka Festival of Triathlon.
Last year, more than 40 athletes took part, and organisers expect even greater participation in 2026 as word spreads about how welcoming, supported, and empowering the event is.
Stories from the field in 2025 were deeply inspiring. One athlete who normally relies on a walker completed the course unassisted, crossing the finish line with their personal trainer proudly by their side. Others trained for months — swimming, cycling, walking local trails — and still talk about the “beautiful big smiles” and the pride of completing the course. For many participants and their support teams, it was their third consecutive year, demonstrating the enduring appeal and growth of the Adaptive Challenge.
Among these heartwarming stories was a young athlete whose determination on course inspired his father to register and compete himself in 2026 — a reminder that the event not only empowers participants but motivates entire families.
Supporting this spirit of inclusion is Shaz Dagg, Challenge Wānaka Ambassador and NZ Elite Paratriathlete. Known for her motto, “I may only have one wing, but I can still fly,” Shazz is the first female amputee to complete the Kathmandu Coast to Coast and will tackle the event again this summer in a team with Gemma McCaw before returning to Wānaka to support the Adaptive Challenge in 2026. She has attended Challenge Wānaka numerous times, encouraging athletes with disabilities and showing what is possible through courage, community, and sport.
The Adaptive Challenge offers flexible participation options, with swim distances of 25m, 50m or 100m, a 1–3 km bike ride, and a 250m–1 km run. Athletes may complete the course independently, with a support person, or using adaptive equipment, making the experience fully accessible and enjoyable for all.
The event is made possible through strong partnerships with Mitre 10 MEGA Wānaka, whose sponsorship enriches the athlete experience; Sport Central, coordinating the event and providing essential on-course support; and The Mint Charitable Trust, whose programmes empower individuals with intellectual disabilities to thrive, build skills, and develop a strong sense of belonging.
As Challenge Wānaka approaches its 20th anniversary in 2026, the Mitre 10 MEGA Adaptive Challenge continues to shine as a testament to community, inclusivity, and the joy of achievement — for athletes, families, and supporters alike.
For more information, visit challenge-wanaka.com/races/adaptive or contact Jo Knight at Sport Central.
