CHALLENGE ROTH

The Quelle Challenge Roth, which is often referred to as the „best old race“, has an almost legendary reputation. The event replaced the Ironman Roth and had its premiere under the new Challenge label in 2002. Today, it has become the world’s biggest long-distance triathlon event. Athletes from more than fifty nations around the world come to Roth each year in order to take part in the famous race which takes them on a 3.8 kilometre swim, 180 kilometre bike lap and a 42 kilometre run on the fabulous race course around the city and county of Roth. Since so many athletes want to take part, the race is always booked up quite early. The numerous world-records that have been established in Roth in more than 20 years are also part of the legend. In 1996 German athlete Lothar Leder was the first to remain under the magic eight-hour limit with a finishing time of 7:57:02. Luc van Lierde’s world-record time (7:50:27) of 1997 still remains unbroken until today. In 2008 Yvonne van Vlerken from the Netherlands established a new and still unbeaten women’s world-record time of 8:45:48. The “Challenge” trademark does not only stand for a top triathlon event with a world-class field of starters and more than 4,500 individual and relay starters of all age groups, but also for the unbelievable enthusiasm of over a hundred thousand spectators, for the good co-operation of all people and authorities that are involved in the organisation of the event, the commitment of more than 4,000 volunteers and for the affectionate atmosphere of the great “Challenge Family”.