Reasons to Race Roth – Our Top 5
Challenge Roth is a must-do race. It features on the wish list of most triathletes! It is considered by many, who have already completed it, 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 beautiful Bavarian town of Roth, in Germany. For years, Challenge Roth has been the stage for many incredible records. There are many reasons why it’s consistently voted as the best long – distance triathlon by athletes. The historical and classical European countryside and villages, its warm welcome with days of pre-race event and festivities, its amazing food and second to none hospitality to name but a few. And, all this, underpinned by some of the best, silky-smooth, roads athletes have ever ridden on.
Sports Travel International are delighted to be partnered with Triathlon Ireland and the Exclusive European event partners of DATEV Challenge Roth 2022 who can secure your place at this incredible festival of sport.
Still not convinced? Here are our top 5 reasons to Get Ready for Challenge Roth 2022!
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The legendary finish line party
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! An overwhelming celebration awaits you, from all sides, in the final meters of a race. Indeed, the lap of the arena is always full of cheering fans. The torches, sparklers and fireworks that light up the entire stadium, and close the event, mean 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.
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A race day banquet
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!). Racers with a sweet tooth take note; 12,000 biscuits, 5,500 pieces of cake, 2,800 pieces of chocolate, and 800 packets of waffles are on offer to those taking on the ultimate challenge.
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The locals exude hospitality
The hospitality, helpfulness, and enthusiasm from the people in the quaint town of Roth alone, make this a must-do event for anyone intending to take on full – distance. The whole town embraces the spirit and culture of triathlon. More than 260,000 spectators come to line the course. In addition, the 7000 volunteers who look after the competitors during the weekend are vital in making sure that the event is a success and return year on year. The overwhelming support at the race ensures that all of the competitors feel welcome and are catered for at every turn. Indeed, no other triathlon sees athletes get as effusive as they do for Roth. Some event recount the genuine goosebumps they felt ascending Solar Hill!
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A Great course for first timers
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!
If you have ever dreamed of being cheered-on, as if you were participating in the Tour de France, this is your chance. Spectators, up to 10 people deep, will be cheering, clapping, and whistling you on. Overall, the bike route is flat and takes place on high quality roads. The bike course has some stunning views of the countryside and has a reputation for being super-fast. However, there are more false flats and hills than you’d expect. The one notable hill on route is 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.
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. You can rely on unbelievably well stocked aid stations and plenty of cold water sponges being handed out by the volunteers.
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It’s FAST, Record Breaking Fast, where History is made
Roth is great for beginners and is also a course that has produced some exceedingly fast times. The big names have raced and won Roth. 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).
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 2018 Irish Triathlete Bryan McCrystal finished the race in 8hrs 07 mins 37, taking some 23 minutes off his own National Record. His impressive race included a tremendous 4.09.46 180 km bike split (the third fastest of the day). He finished the day in eighth, among an absolutely world class field.
Challenge Roth is one of the MOST sought-after triathlon races in the world.
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 Travel International can guarantee YOUR place on the start line in 2022, so why not BOOK NOW to be at the biggest triathlon party on EARTH!
