Triathlon season is back and we’re itching to get back into our swim-bike-run routine. With such a packed race calendar, it’s tough to decide which races to sign up for. Here are a couple of our favourite triathlons from sprint to full Ironman distance to help you choose your events.
Challenge Wanaka Triathlon Festival
Everyone loves a challenge. Whether you’re a triathlete or a try-athlete, Challenge Wanaka is an event that you should definitely add to your bucket list. This week long triathlon festival features much more than just the ultra distance road triathlon on offer. If you’re feeling tough, you can tackle the 3km swim, 180km bike and 42km marathon. Otherwise there’s a half distance option, a multi event featuring a 25km kayak, 43km mountain bike and a 14km trail run, Aquabike event and a cross triathlon and duathlon event. There really is something for everyone. On the 17th of February 2024, theres still lots of time to get training for this event in the beautiful Glendhu Bay.
Watch the highlights of Challenge Wanaka 2023 race here.
Date: 17 February 2024
The old school Olympic distance triathlon is fun for the whole family. Taking place in Corsair Bay on the 28th of Jan 2024, the weather and the water promises to be warm. The swim is a triangular route off the beach into Corsair Bay. The bike leg is hilly and challenging with 700m of climbing over the 39km route whilst the run leg takes you out and back along the coast.
The Canterbury Classic is a selection event for the World Triathlon Championships. Not in the mood for a triathlon? There’s also a duatlon and aquathlon that you can choose from.
Date: 28 January 2024
ANZCO Foods IRONMAN New Zealand
Haven’t experienced running down that iconic Ironman blue carpet hearing the words “You are an Ironman” yet? This is your sign to enter Ironman New Zealand. It’s the oldest running Ironman outside of Kona, Hawaii, celebrating 40 years in 2024. And of course there are qualifying slots available for Kona. A bucketlist race for any triathlete, experience the best of Taupō.
Watch last year’s highlights here
Date: 4 March 2024
Part of the Suzuki National series, this race is a must do for those looking to qualify for the World Triathlon Standard Triathlon Championships being held in Malaga, Spain in early October 2024. This event features standard and sprint distance races along with paratriathlon race. Bringing the kids with or someone trying their first tri? There’s the “Have a Go” Super sprint event and a Splash and Dash. Starting at Salisbury Wharf, Mt Maunganui.
Date: 19 November 2023
A new edition to New Zealand’s triathlon calendar, this long distance triathlon out in rural Northen Cantebury promises to deliver. Race organisers have made entry fees very affordable by cutting out the noise and keeping the event lower key without compromising on athlete enjoyment or safety. Athletes can choose from triatlon, duathlon or aquathlon options. There’s also something for the whole family with a Mini OxMan, a Junior OxMan for 10-16 year olds, a kids duathlon for 5-9 year olds and run only options over 21km and 7km distances. Enjoy quite country roads during this year’s OxMan
Date: 26 November
The James Mountainsport Series
One for the extreme adventurers, this ultra distance off-road triathlon event features paddling instead of the traditional swim leg. Competitiors can expect hot conditions as they explore the St James mountains. With copious amounts of climbing across both the bike and run legs of this event, it’s bound to push even the toughest of athletes to their limits.
Date: 19 January 2024
Everyone loves Xterra. The most popular off-road triathlon series returns to Rotorua in 2024 with a jam packed weekend of events including the flagship triathlon, a duathlon, mountain bike ride and trail run events. With qualifying slots for the XTERRA World Championships in Maui, Hawaii up for grabs, this event is sure to attract some of your favourite pros.
Watch last year’s highlights here
Date: 6 April 2024
So which races are you signing up for?
