The lakeside town of Wanaka in the Wanaka Lake District on New Zealand’s South Island has long been beloved by visitors for its refined lifestyle experiences, family entertainment, and adventure activities. The outdoor offerings here are truly sky-to-earth — from scenic flights and skydiving to hiking and skiing, it's a stage for extreme sports. This week, Red Bull held an extraordinary extreme challenge right here.
The 2019 Red Bull Defiance Challenge returned to Wanaka from January 19 to 20. A total of 250 athletes from around the world competed as teams. The event included a 71-kilometer mountain bike ride, a 38-kilometer run, a 40-kilometer canoe race, a 60-meter rope descent, and was divided into six stages with a total distance of over 150 kilometers and a cumulative elevation gain of 5,238 meters. Participants had to complete the course within two days. The route was thoughtfully designed with breathtaking scenery along the way: during the biking section, riders ascended the majestic Pisa Range via Criffel Station, while the running leg passed the famous “Wanaka Skyline Trail,” offering views over Lake Wanaka and climbs over Mount Alpha and Roys Peak.
Young Hamish Elliot and Sam Bell gave their all, standing out among the 250+ participants to win the men’s duo category with a time of 12 hours and 18 minutes across the six stages of the Wanaka region. Kym Skerman and Nic Leary continued their dominance among female competitors, taking the win with a time of 14 hours and 45 minutes. The couple Margie Campbell and Richard Campbell secured the mixed duo title with a time of 14 hours and 26 minutes.
