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Challenge Roth is a must-do race. You’d find it on the bucket list of most triathletes! It is considered by many past finishers, as their favourite race ever. The legendary Challenge Roth is one of the biggest and longest established triathlons in the world. It’s been running since 1984 and takes place in the small town of Roth, in Germany, the home of the challenge. Challenge Roth has set the stage for many incredible records in its history and there’s no other race that has such as a fervour of enthusiasm and support. There are many reasons why it’s consistently voted as the best triathlon by athletes; its breath-taking beautiful views, its charming and historical European countryside and towns, its amazing food and second to none hospitality all underpinned by some of the best, silky-smooth tarmac athletes have ever ridden on.
Sports Tours International are delighted to be the Exclusive UK and Europe event partners of DATEV Challenge Roth 2022 who can secure your place at this incredible festival of sport.
Each year, DATEV Challenge Roth hosts around 3400 individual athletes and 650 relay teams, from over 80 nations who come together to compete in one of the most iconic triathlon locations. Challenge Roth is famous for its electric atmosphere, especially at the end of the race. The Challenge Roth finish is legendary. There is no other finish line that compares to the overwhelming celebration that awaits you from all sides in the final meters of a race. Indeed, the lap of the arena is full of cheering fans, and the fireworks that close the event means that the atmosphere for the final finisher is a good as it was for the first. The finish line party at Roth is unlikely to disappoint!
Bavaria is known for its food and drink and Challenge Roth is no exception. 2,970kg of bananas fuel the athletes along the way, as well as 2,700kg of apples, 1,300kg of oranges, 1,000kg of kiwis, 680kg of melons, 580kg of lemons, and 15kg of dry fruit. That’s a lot of fruit! But it’s not only fruit you can enjoy. 135kg of sausages are consumed, and athletes can treat themselves at the finish line to some famous German beer (we are in Bavaria after all!).
The hospitality, helpfulness, and enthusiasm from people in Bavaria alone make it a must-do event for anyone intending to race full-distance. Since 2002, Challenge Roth has been held as an independent event. The whole town embraces the spirit and culture of triathlon, with more than 260,000 spectators taking to the streets to watch. No other triathlon sees athletes get as effusive as they do for Roth. Some even recount the genuine goosebumps that they felt ascending Solar Hill!
From the unbeatable atmosphere to the Bavarian charm and hospitality; there are several reasons why Challenge Roth is great for first timers and seasoned athletes alike.
The canal swim begins with the iconic canon fire (a must have moment for any long-distance triathlete). The nature of canal swimming is also great for less confident swimmers. Generally, the water is calm with virtually no current. 20,000 athletes swimming in one great procession at sunrise, with the magnificent backdrop of hot air balloons, is definitely a sight to remember!
The bike route is flat and takes place on high quality roads. There is one hill notable on the route, the famous ‘Solar Hill’. It is just over 1km long and has an average gradient of 4.5%. The climb of the ‘Solar Berg’ is also one of the most unforgettable moments on the course. Crowds of spectators line the road on both sides, cheering the riders through their toughest effort!
The run is easy on the legs. Mostly flat, and around 70% on dirt canal paths, rather than tarmac, which can be hard on the legs. The long straight stretches, although sometimes mentally challenging, make for an easy to follow route.
Roth is great for beginners and is also a course that has produced some exceedingly fast times. In 2011, 4-time Kona champion Chrissie Wellington set the women’s long-distance world record of 8:18:13, including an astonishing 2:44:35 marathon split (which is also the women’s run course record for Roth). 4 of the 5 Women’s Long- Distance fastest times of all time have been set at Roth.
Roth is also the home of the Men’s long- distance record (07:35:39) set in 2016 by Jan Frodeno. The German athlete, and 3-time Kona champ, was ecstatic to have set the record on home soil.
In 2021, Patrick Lange and Anne Haug- a Club La Santa sponsored athlete, claimed dominant victories when this famous race made a welcome return to the calendar.
The incredible atmosphere, fast and iconic course, and usually favourable racing conditions mean that Challenge Roth is routinely rated among the best (if not the best!) triathlon races in the world. Entries for the event usually sell out within minutes (7 to be precise in 2019).
As an Official Partner of the event, Sports Tours International can guarantee YOUR place on the start line in 2022.
BOOK NOW to be at the biggest triathlon party on EARTH!
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