Race Rules

• Challenge Wānaka reserves the right to implement the contingency plan in the interests of competitor safety (e.g. bad weather meaning event needs to be cancelled) but will not be held liable for any loss as a result of such a decision. In the event such a decision is made, if the conditions are still deemed to be unsafe, Challenge Wanaka has sole discretion, and may cancel the Event without obligation to refund entry fees.
• Individual athletes must be 18 years of age or older on 21 February 2026. Secondary School Team athletes must be 16 years of age or older on 21 February 2026 (unless pre-approved by the Race Director).
• Team athletes may race for one team only
• Provided race numbers must be visible at all times throughout the race.
• All athletes must register during the allocated times and attend the compulsory race briefing. All individuals and teams must rack their bicycles during the allocated times – there will be no exceptions to this rule. The Event organisers reserve the right to prevent anyone not adhering to these rules from racing.
• If a competitor does not speak English they should email the race director in advance and he/she will find someone to assist with this.
• All athletes must read the race handbook prior to taking part in the event

• It is a pre-condition of participation that every competitor must carefully read and abide by the specific rules and waiver that relate to their race.
• At all times competitors must obey the instructions of Race Officials and Police Officers and beware of vehicular transport. Any competitor who fails to obey the instructions of Race officials or the Police will be removed from the Event and disqualified. The race director and race referee have the discretion to disqualify competitors.
• Athletes must obey all traffic laws and rules at all times and treat all parts of the course as open to the public and vehicles at all times. While some parts of the course may be closed to public access, residential, emergency and Event vehicles will be using the course, and all road rules must therefore be followed at all times. Left hand drive rules apply.
• Drafting from another athlete or motor vehicle is forbidden, athletes must also reject attempts by others to draft
• Challenge Wānaka Half is an invitation event, and the Event organisers may refuse entry to any competitor, on any grounds, and at their own discretion without explanation.
• The Event Medical or Safety Team will have ultimate discretion and the final decision as to the suitability of a competitor to continue in the Event, and likewise if they should be withdrawn from the Event.
• It is important that all competitors exhibit good behaviour and sportsmanlike conduct, and treat fellow competitors, Event organisers, volunteers and contractors with courtesy and respect. Failure to do so may result in disqualification at any time before, during or after the Event.
• No headphones or headsets may be worn during the event.
• Competitors may not compete with a bare torso.

• No competitor may use any banned substances with the intent to improve their performance, eliminate the sense of fatigue or for any other purpose. Random doping tests will be performed.  Any competitor serving a ban for banned substances in another sport is not permitted to enter.
• Challenge Wānaka may test any athlete for the use of a prohibited substance at its own discretion – a positive test resulting in disqualification

• If a competitor withdraws from the Event they must advise a race official of their withdrawal as soon as possible and prior to the course closing (5.00pm 21 February 2026).
• Course closes at 5.00pm 21 February 2026.  Athletes finishing after this time will get a DNF.
• Bike cut-off is 1.30pm.  Any athletes who finish after the cut off will get a DNF
• Challenge Wānaka Half reserves the right to alter rules, regulations, Event course and venues at any time provided athletes are advised prior to the Event, or if such a change is in the interest of competitor safety.
• Each competitor must be familiar with the entire course and it is their responsibility to follow the correct route.

• Any athlete wishing to protest against another athlete or official must do so, in writing, to the Race Referee within 15 minutes of his/her finish time. The intention to protest must be verbally advised to the Race Referee within 15 mins of his/her finish time. Protest forms can be obtained from the referee and must be accompanied by a $50 lodgement fee. If their protest is upheld, the $50 will be refunded in full. If the protest is not upheld, the fee will be forfeited.

• Age Group categories will be in five years for Challenge Wānaka Half. Medals will be awarded to the top three in each age group. The age groups are: 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74,75-79,80+
• Age group categories will be decided in line with Tri NZ rules – age as of 31 December 2026.

• Compulsory gear includes a wetsuit and swim cap. Compulsory gear requirements may be changed at the discretion of the Race Director/Race Referee and announced at the Race Briefing (bring everything) subject to the water conditions, temperature and swim course/distance (at the Race Director’s absolute discretion).
• Recommended gear includes a neoprene swim cap.(this should be worn under the official race swim cap)
• Optional gear includes swim gloves (webbing not allowed), neoprene vest (under wetsuits) and swim booties (webbing not allowed), swim speed suits maybe worn under a wetsuit but they cannot be used instead of a wetsuit.
• No fins, paddles, snorkels, flotation devices of any kind are permitted.
• Swim goggles or face masks may be worn. No smart/FORM goggles allowed.
• Any assistance required during swim will result in disqualification unless such assistance did not aid the swimmer in making forward progress.
• Swim course will close at 9.30am for individuals and teams.
• The race director has the right to change the location of the swim course, the distance of the swim course or cancel the swim course (at their absolute discretion) taking into account the weather and water temperature conditions.
• If an athlete should decide to quit the race during the swim leg he/she must report immediately to the race director, technical officials or the course marshals. If this does not happen and rescue operations occur, the athlete will be responsible for all costs.
• After swimming, the competitors must leave their wetsuits under the bike rack and out of the way of any other competitors. If the competitor disregards this requirement an eight-minute penalty will be added to his/her time.
• Wetsuits may only be removed to the waist prior to getting to your bike in the transition.

• No drafting is permitted. The draft zone is 12m.
• Race numbers must not be altered in size or appearance, and must be worn on the back during the bike.
• No headphones allowed on course, including bone conducting headphones.
• No cycling is allowed within the transition area. Bikes must be pushed from the racks to the mount line.
• Competitors must dismount at the dismount line and push their bike back to the rack.
• The following helmet standards are required: ASTM – F1447-1994, Australia and NZ Standards – AS/NZS 2063:1996 or NZS 5439 or AS2063.2, Snell-B90 or B95, CE European Standards-EN1078, US Consumer Products Safety Standards – USCPS.
• Helmets must be secured by the chin strap before unracking the bike, and must remain fastened until the cyclist has re-racked the bike.
• No outside assistance is allowed. Meaning no competitor may seek or receive outside help from spectators, members of the public or any third party. This will result in a disqualification so remind friends, families and supporters of this.
• Each participant is responsible for the state or repair of his/her own bike. Bikes must have been serviced within three weeks of the event and be in a safe and roadworthy condition. Assistance by anyone other than official technical support personnel will be grounds for immediate disqualification. This disallows the use of spare wheels and back-up bikes and requires that each competitor be prepared to handle any possible mechanical malfunction.
• Cyclists are expected to heed directions and instructions of all race officials and public authorities. Participant may run/walk their bike if necessary.
• Competitors must keep as far to the left as is practically possible at all times, pass others on the right and must obey all Land Transport Road User Rules, traffic regulations and the directions of event officials and the Police. Crossing the centre line is prohibited and will result in a disqualification. Note that this applies even when passing other competitors and/or vehicles. You must wait until you are able to complete your pass without crossing the centre line.
• The penalty for drafting will be an instant three (3) minute stand down which will be served at the Penalty Box. A penalty issued on the first lap must be served before the start of the 2^nd lap. The athlete will need to take the directions of the Technical Official issuing the penalty. The Technical Officials can stop anyone in transition if Chief Transition has been made aware of the penalty prior to the athlete arriving. A second penalty will result in an additional three (3) minute stand down. A third penalty will result in disqualification.
• The penalty for dangerous riding or unsportsmanlike conduct is disqualification.
• The Race Director has the right to change the location of the bike course or the distance of the bike course (at their absolute discretion) and taking into account the weather and course conditions.
• The bike course will close at 1.30pm.
• Athletes who have not completed the bike leg by 1:30pm may be permitted to continue onto the run course at the discretion of race officials, based on safety, course conditions, and operational considerations.
• Any athlete permitted to continue after 1:30pm will be classified as DNF (Did Not Finish) and will not be included in official results or rankings.
• Please obey all traffic laws and rules at all times and treat all parts of the course as open to the public and vehicles at all times. The majority of the course is closed to public access, however, essential commercial, residential, emergency and Event vehicles will be using the course, and all road rules must therefore be followed at all times. Left hand drive rules apply.

• Competitors must obey all traffic laws, traffic rules and the directions of Event officials and the Police. The road is open to normal traffic at all times, please be careful when running on and crossing roads.
• Hiking poles are permitted on the run but please do not obstruct other runners.
• No headphones allowed on course, including bone conducting headphones.
• Competitors must not alter the size or appearance of the race number and must wear it clearly and visibly on their front. Failure to do so will result in a disqualification.
• Slower competitors must keep to the left with other competitors overtaking on the right.
• No individual support vehicles or non-participant escort runners or cyclists are allowed. Friends, family members, coaches or supporters of any type may not bike, drive or run alongside competitors, may not pass food or other items to competitors and should be warned to stay completely clear of all participants to avoid the disqualification of a participant.
• The Race Director has the right to change the location of the run course or the distance of the run course (at their absolute discretion), taking into account the weather and course conditions.

If the Challenge Wānaka Sports Trust is forced to cancel the event due to circumstances out of our control (such as pandemics and natural disasters), athletes will receive a refund of 75% of the entry fee paid up to 5 months before the event. Refund of 50% of the entry fee paid up to 2 months before the event. Absolutely no refund within 2 months of the event date. All entries are non-transferable to other athletes or other years. Credit card fees are non refundable.

We recommend you take out Active Refund

• In order to receive a refund if you are unwilling or unable to attend this event for any reason. An athlete may purchase ACTIVE Refund as an flexible opt-in offer that enables registrants to purchase coverage for the total cost of their registration. Find out more here.
• If an athlete has not purchased ACTIVE Refund during registration and needs to withdraw they will not be eligible for a refund.

Please email [email protected] to notify us of a cancellation or change.

• Challenge Wānaka reserves the right to implement the contingency plan in the interests of competitor safety (e.g. bad weather meaning event needs to be cancelled) but will not be held liable for any loss as a result of such a decision. In the event such a decision is made, if the conditions are still deemed to be unsafe, Challenge Wanaka has sole discretion, and may cancel the Event without obligation to refund entry fees.
• Individual athletes must be a minimum of 18-years-old on race day. Secondary School Category Individual athletes must be a minimum of 16-years-old on race day.
• Team athletes must be a minimum of 16-years-old on race day. Younger team athletes may be able to compete at the discretion of the Race Director.
• Team athletes may race for one team only.
• Provided race numbers must be visible at all times throughout the race.
• All athletes must register during the allocated times and attend the compulsory race briefing. The Event organise reserve the right to prevent anyone not adhering to these rules from racing.
• If a competitor does not speak English they should email the race director in advance and he/she will find someone to assist with this.

• It is a pre-condition of participation that every competitor must carefully read and abide by the specific rules and waiver that relate to their race.
• At all times competitors must obey the instructions of Race Officials and Police Officers and beware of vehicular transport. Any competitor who fails to obey the instructions of Race officials or the Police will be removed from the Event and disqualified. The race director and race referee have the discretion to disqualify competitors.
• Athletes must obey all traffic laws and rules at all times and treat all parts of the course as open to the public and vehicles at all times. While some parts of the course may be closed to public access, residential, emergency and Event vehicles will be using the course, and all road rules must therefore be followed at all times. Left hand drive rules apply.
• The Event Medical or Safety Team will have ultimate discretion and the final decision as to the suitability of a competitor to continue in the Event, and likewise if they should be withdrawn from the Event.
• It is important that all competitors exhibit good behaviour and sportsmanlike conduct, and treat fellow competitors, Event organisers, volunteers and contractors with courtesy and respect. Failure to do so may result in disqualification at any time before, during or after the Event.
• No headphones or headsets may be worn during the event.
• Competitors may not compete with a bare torso.

• No competitor may use any banned substances with the intent to improve their performance, eliminate the sense of fatigue or for any other purpose. Random doping tests will be performed.  Any competitor serving a ban for banned substances in another sport is not permitted to enter.
• Challenge Wānaka may test any athlete for the use of a prohibited substance at its own discretion – a positive test resulting in disqualification

• If a competitor withdraws from the Event they must advise the finish line officials of their withdrawal as soon as possible and prior to the course closing
• Course closes at 5pm 18^th October 2025. Athletes finishing after this time will get a DNF.
• Kayak cut-off for Individuals and Teams is 10:30am. Any athletes who finish after the cut off will get a DNF .
• All transitions will close at 5pm. Leaving any gear after this point is at the athlete’s risk as the transition will no longer be staffed.
• Challenge Wanaka Multi competitors may not compete with a bare torso.
• Each competitor must be familiar with the entire course and it is their responsibility to follow the correct route.

• Any athlete wishing to protest against another athlete or official must do so, in writing, to the Race Director within 15 minutes of his/her finish time. The intention to protest must be verbally advised to the Race Director within 5 mins of his/her finish time. Protest forms can be obtained from the referee and must be accompanied by a $50 lodgement fee. If their protest is upheld, the $50 will be refunded in full. If the protest is not upheld, the fee will be forfeited.

• Age Group categories for Individual New Zealand Multisport Championships for which trophies will be awarded to the top three in the following age groups:
  • 18-39 (Male & Female)
  • 40-55 (Male & Female)
  • 60 plus (Male & Female)
  • Tandem teams
  • 2-3 Person teams
• Individual athletes must be a minimum of 18-years-old on race day.
• Team athletes must be a minimum of 16-years-old on race day. Younger team athletes may be able to compete at the discretion of the Race Director.
• Team athletes may race for one team only.

Compulsory Kayaking Equipment:

• Air bags / foam pillars 20 litre minimum.
• Paddle, repair tape, spray skirt, kayak helmet, life jacket (50n of buoyancy type 406 with whistle attached).
• Gloves, hat.
• Long sleeved paddle jacket, seam sealed.
• Thermal long sleeved top, long leg thermal bottoms.
• Foil survival bag.
• First aid kit.
• Any medication you require.

It is the competitor’s responsibility to have adequate skills to negotiate and avoid the hazards on a grade 2 river. Officials have the right to withdraw any competitor that in the official’s opinion does not have the skills to safely complete the river section Competitors must put training time in on grade 2 rivers and ensure their choice of kayak is matched to their ability.

Competitors may use any type of kayak except wave riders, inflatable or sit on kayaks. Pods are not allowed on kayaks. River-specific surf skis may be used but must gain clearance from the River Safety team at least two weeks prior to the race to ensure suitability.

Surf skis must satisfy the following criteria to be considered:

• Dedicated over-stern rudder.
• River specific, single skin construction on hull.
• River specific venturis – highly recommended to have bailer style drain (venturis must have bungs for venture ports in case cowlings are damaged in shallows).
• Competitor must also have an extra lower body layer – either dry-pants, wetsuit, Sharkskin or similar lower body garment.
• All kayaks must have pillars and two floatation/air bags or extensive watertight sealed compartments that are drainable. The minimum requirement is two rear floatation/air bags of 20 litres each – correctly inflated and secured in the kayak. Wine bladders are not acceptable!
• Kayaks must have a grab loop at the nose of the kayak.
• Tandem kayaks supplied by organisers (and most sea kayaks) have large watertight bulkheads for storing gear which also act as a buoyancy aid if capsized, so no additional floatation is required if using these boats.
• Kayaks using storage bulkheads as floatation MUST HAVE waterproof hatch cover FITTED before entering the river.
• Competitors who withdraw must not leave the riverbank. They must wait for the river officials to officially withdraw them from race.

Kayaking Stage Gear Scrutineering

There may be gear checks of all compulsory kayak equipment at the start on Saturday.

Kayaking Grade 2 Certificates

All new competitors must send a copy of their Grade 2 Kayak Certificate prior to the event. Competitors who have successfully completed the river section in the Kathmandu Coast to Coast event, in a single kayak or as the steering member of a tandem, in the last 5 years need only state on the entry form the year(s) they have competed in the Coast to Coast rather than send in another kayaking certificate. If your certificate is older than 2 years and you have not completed the race for 5 years you will need to either complete a refresher Grade 2 course or apply for an exemption supplying evidence of your recent and relevant kayaking experience. We highly recommend people re-certify every 5 years especially if not regularly involved in grade 2 or greater kayaking.

In the Tandem Section, the steering is at the front of the supplied boats and the person steering the kayak MUST have a full Grade 2 Kayak certificate. The second non steering paddler must have a MINIMUM of a river safety certificate which is the completion of the safety section of the Grade 2 Kayak certificate . We also highly recommend you complete a river trip in a double kayak. If the steering kayaker is injured the team member will not be allowed to swap positions and steer the kayak unless they also have a full Grade 2 Kayak Certificate.

Portages

Portages may be used to avoid hazards – they may be recommended or compulsory. Specific information will be given in the Race Briefing. Anyone failing to follow an official’s instruction may be withdrawn from the race.

Checkpoints

There may be compulsory checkpoints on the river. River Signals Please make yourself familiar with river signals. An understanding of river signals is important. The main situation where these could be used on race day is for officials directing competitors to where they are wanted on the river, either for counting or avoidance of hazards.

Jet Boat Operations

Jet boats are used on the Clutha River as part of our safety management and there are commercial operators on the river.

Please note:

• They require less water going fast.
• They pass going around, pushing the wake away from the kayak.
• Please be observant and give them room to pass you as they cannot stop in shallow water.

• E bikes are not permitted
• Helmets must be attached to bikes and unfastened in the transition area prior to race start. Shoes, including socks, may also be attached to the bike or on the ground next to the bike. Helmets must be put on and secured by the chin strap before unracking the bike and must remain fastened until the cyclist has re-racked the bike.
• No cycling is allowed within the transition area. Bikes must be pushed from the racks to the road.
• Competitors must dismount at the dismount line and push their bike back to their rack. Helmets must remain fastened until bike is racked. This includes the team biker who must rack the bike before the timing chip is exchanged.
• No drafting is permitted, with the exception of teams of two in the ‘Tandem’ who can draft on the cycle leg. The cycle draft zone is a ten metre long by three metre wide rectangle between the front wheel edge of the lead cycle and the front edge of the following cycle, extending each side of the cycle by 1.5 metre, measured from the leading edge of the front wheel. Another athlete has 20 seconds to pass through that zone. Likewise, once an athlete is passed they have 20 seconds to drop back out of the draft zone.
• Vehicle draft zone (including motorbikes) will be a rectangle thirty-five (35) metres long by five (5) meters wide, which surrounds every vehicle on the cycle segment. The front edge of the vehicle will define the centre of the leading 5 metre edge of the rectangle.
• Race numbers must not be altered in size or appearance and must be worn on the back during the bike.
• The following helmet standards are required: ASTM – F1447-1994, Australia and NZ Standards – AS/NZS 2063:1996 or NZS 5439 or AS2063.2, Snell-B90 or B95, CE European Standards-EN1078, US Consumer Products Safety Standards – USCPS.
• No outside assistance is allowed. Meaning no competitor may seek or receive outside help from spectators, members of the public or any third party. This will result in a disqualification, so remind friends, families and supporters of this.
• Each participant is responsible for the state or repair of his/her own bike. Bikes must have been serviced within three weeks of the event and be in a safe and roadworthy condition. Assistance by anyone other than event officials will be grounds for immediate disqualification. This disallows the use of spare wheels and back-up bikes and requires that each competitor be prepared to handle any possible mechanical malfunction.
• Cyclists are expected to heed directions and instructions of all race officials and public authorities. Participant may run/walk their bike if necessary.
• Competitors must keep as far to the left as is practically possible at all times, pass others on the right and must obey all Land Transport Road User Rules, traffic regulations and the directions of Event officials and the Police. There are no full road closures, so the road is open to normal traffic at all times. Crossing the centre line is prohibited and will result in a disqualification.
• The penalty for drafting, dangerous riding or unsportsmanlike conduct will be an instant four minute stand down on the side of the road. A second penalty will result in an additional four minute stand down. A third penalty will result in disqualification.
• At all times competitors must obey the instructions of Race Officials and Police Officers and beware of vehicular transport. Any competitor who fails to obey the instructions of Race officials or the Police will be removed from the Event and disqualified. The race director and event director have the discretion to disqualify competitors.
• Please obey all traffic laws and rules at all times and treat all parts of the course as open to the public and vehicles at all times. While some parts of the course may be closed to public access, residential, emergency and Event vehicles will be using the course, and all road rules must therefore be followed at all times. Left hand drive rules apply.
• The Race Director has the right to change the location of the bike course or the distance of the bike course (at their absolute discretion), taking into account the weather and course condition.

• Competitors must obey all traffic laws, traffic rules and the directions of Event officials and the Police. The road is open to normal traffic at all times, please be careful when running on and crossing roads.
• Hiking poles are permitted on the run but please do not obstruct other runners.
• Competitors must not alter the size or appearance of the race number and must wear it clearly and visibly on their front. Failure to do so will result in a disqualification.
• Slower competitors must keep to the left with other competitors overtaking on the right.
• No individual support vehicles or non-participant escort runners or cyclists are allowed. Friends, family members, coaches or supporters of any type may not bike, drive or run alongside competitors, may not pass food or other items to competitors and should be warned to stay completely clear of all participants to avoid the disqualification of a participant.
• The Race Director has the right to change the location of the run course or the distance of the run course (at their absolute discretion), taking into account the weather and course conditions.