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