challenge wanaka, ironman new zealand, half ironman racing in new zealand

October 24, 2007

Challenge Wanaka and IMNZ entry fees increase 1 November

If you are planning on doing Challenge Wanaka or Ironman New Zealand, now is a good time to enter. The reduced early entry fee increases after 31st October by $50 for IMNZ and $100 for Challenge Wanaka.

Challenge Wanaka entries close on 31st December and the Lake Taupo race on 11th January, or earlier if their entry limits are reached. At this stage this looks unlikely to happen.

IMNZ have allowed a whopping 1500 as their limit, and numbers may still be down for the same reasons as in 2007. Some athletes were still smarting over the handling of the weather shortened race in 2006, and the banning of a competing race organiser by IMNZ co-organisers Taupo District Council.

In addition, Challenge Wanaka has had a boost in numbers for 2008 after a tentative few tested the waters earlier this year. However the number of individuals racing is likely to be in the low hundreds with most of the volume coming from team entries.

Nevertheless the longer you wait, the greater your risk of not getting a race slot. IMNZ do have a refund option but you lose $181 of your entry fee provided you withdraw before the January 11th closing date.

Challenge Wanaka entries are not transferable or refundable. If an athlete withdraws and advises Challenge Wanaka in writing prior to 1st December 2007, their entry may be credited toward Challenge Wanaka 2009, less a $100 administration fee.

Ironman New Zealand fees:
Entry (received prior to 1 November 2007)
New Zealand Athletes - NZ$660
International Athletes - NZ$670

Entry (received after 31 October 2007)
New Zealand Athletes - NZ$710
International Athletes - NZ$720

There is an additional online processing fee of NZ$26 over which I have already vented my spleen.

Challenge Wanaka fees:
From 1st September 2007 - $595
From 1st November 2007 - $695

IMNZ discussion list a great resource

A key ironman-distance resource is a Yahoo Groups discussion list called "Iron distance racing in New Zealand" or IMNZ for short.

This group was started in 1998 by Shane Hooks with the impending move of Ironman New Zealand to Taupo from its original base in Auckland.

Since then the list has been a great source of information and even entertainment for many looking to do the race, particularly for the first time. There are usually several hundred members on the list although most are 'lurkers' who don't say too much. A few regular experienced racers are on hand to provide advice on any subject relating to ironman-distance racing in New Zealand.

Recently the list had become a target of spammers. However this problem has now been resolved with only approved members allowed to post messages to the list.

You can see the list at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/imnz/. To receive posts by email, or to post messages to the list you will need to become a member of Yahoo Groups.

October 19, 2007

Ironman-distance racing in New Zealand

Welcome to my new blog about ironman-distance racing in New Zealand. My purpose is promote and inform about this particular triathlon niche, for both local and international athletes.

The main focus will be the two ironman-distance races in New Zealand, and to a lessor extent the five-odd half-ironman races, as well as the rumored third full distance event that is in the making. Any other freakishly long events will be covered as well.

The blog will contain information about the races, and the logistics of competing, aiming to cover what the official race websites don't tell you. General news about race competition will mostly be covered in my other blog TriUpdate which covers triathlon and multisport news, events and opinion in New Zealand.

I have finished in eight out of nine Ironman New Zealand starts, and in the first Challenge Wanaka held earlier this year. I am entered for both races next year. The information I bring you is first hand, and very much a back of the pack perspective!

Comments on this blog are enabled. Please feel free to ask any questions about the topic.