Challenge Wanaka, the world's most scenic iron distance triathlon, is a week long festival of triathlon for 2011, featuring events for all ages and abilities in one of the most spectacular settings possible, the shores of Lake Wanaka in New Zealand's South Island.

The week culminates with the flagship Challenge Wanaka race on Saturday January 15 when top professional ironmen and women from around the world join over 1,200 regular athletes to take on the gruelling 226km course which features a 3.8km swim, 180km bike and 42.2km run.

Attracting some of the biggest names in the sport, this year's Challenge Wanaka features multiple iron distance champion Belinda Granger (AUS) and two times ironman champion Courtney Odgen (AUS) as well as current world age group champion Belinda Harper (NZL) and Challenge Barcelona winner Jimmy Johnsen (DEN).