Name: DATEV Challenge Roth 2026
Start: 2026-07-05T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-07-05T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Triathlon-Stadion Roth / Rothsee

Challenge Roth

About Challenge Roth

The DATEV Challenge Roth is the largest and most atmospheric long-distance triathlon in the world. Since 1984, the Middle Franconian town of Roth in the district of Roth has transformed into the mecca of endurance sports every year on the first weekend of July. Around 3,400 individual starters and 650 relay teams from over 60 nations tackle 3.8 km of swimming, 180 km of cycling, and a final marathon of 42.2 km. Hundreds of thousands of spectators line the course – tens of thousands of fans crowd the legendary Solarer Berg alone, reminiscent of a mountain stage of the Tour de France.

Dates 05 Jul — 05 Jul 2026

Venue Roth (09576)

Prices Free

Status Confirmed

Edition 2026

Challenge Roth — edition 2026

Tickets →

The DATEV Challenge Roth 2026 takes place on Sunday, July 5, 2026, maintaining the tradition of always being held on the first weekend of July. The race starts at 6:30 AM. Around 3,400 individual starters and 650 relay teams from over 60 nations will compete; hundreds of thousands of spectators are expected along the course.

The DATEV Challenge Roth 2026 will be held on Sunday, July 5, 2026. The long-distance race (3.8 km swimming, 180 km cycling, 42.2 km running) begins at 6:30 AM in the Main-Danube Canal. As early as Friday, July 3, 2026, athletes will be welcomed by the town of Roth as part of the triathlon festival opening – with a welcome party around the historic market square.

On race day, guests and fans can cheer on the runners from 11:00 AM at the Roth market square. The detailed schedule will be published on the official website.

Highlights Challenge Roth 2026

The 6:30 AM swim start in the Main-Danube Canal, the legendary Solarer Berg with its Tour de France atmosphere, the finish line in the triathlon stadium, and the welcome party on Friday with the BAYERN 3 band, the Babypumas, and DJ Tonic.

Programme Challenge Roth 2026

Friday, July 3, 2026 — Triathlon Festival Opening

Welcome of the athletes by the town of Roth
Welcome party around the historic market square with the BAYERN 3 band, the Babypumas, and DJ Tonic

Sunday, July 5, 2026 — Race Day

06:30 AM — Swim start in the Main-Danube Canal (3.8 km)
180 km bike course through the Franconian countryside, with Solarer Berg as the highlight
Final 42.2 km marathon
From 11:00 AM — Fans cheer at the Roth market square
Emotional finish in the triathlon stadium (Solarer Berg / Finish Party)

Prices Challenge Roth 2026

Admission for spectators along the course and at Solarer Berg is free. Starting places for individual athletes and relays are subject to a fee, are extremely sought after, and usually sell out within minutes; a late entry lottery distributes remaining spots. Details at challenge-roth.com.

Practical information

Practical information — Challenge Roth

Getting There

Roth is located about 25 km south of Nuremberg. Arrive by train via Roth station (S-Bahn line S2 from Nuremberg) or via the A9 / A6 motorways. Extensive road closures are in effect during the race weekend – public transport is highly recommended.

Spectators

Admission to the course and Solarer Berg is free. Particularly atmospheric are the swim start at the canal, Solarer Berg, and the finish line in the triathlon stadium.

Registration

Starting places for individual starters and relays are highly sought after and usually sell out within minutes. Information on registration and the late entry lottery can be found at challenge-roth.com.

Triathlon History Since 1984

The DATEV Challenge Roth is considered the benchmark for long-distance triathlons worldwide. Its roots go back to 1984 when the first "Frankentriathlon" over a short distance of 700 m swimming, 40 km cycling, and 10 km running was held in the Middle Franconian town of Roth – inspired by the Ironman on Hawaii. Since 1990, the full long distance has been contested, and the small competition has grown into the largest and most famous triathlon event in the world, which sells out within minutes every year.

The Royal Distance

On race day, athletes start at 6:30 AM in the Main-Danube Canal, completing 3.8 km of swimming, 180 km by bike through the hilly Franconian countryside, and finishing with a 42.2 km marathon – a total of 226 kilometers. Around 3,400 individual starters and approximately 650 relay teams from more than 60 nations participate.

Solarer Berg – Tour de France Atmosphere

The heart of the course's atmosphere is the legendary Solarer Berg: tens of thousands of spectators crowd the short, steep climb, forming a tunnel through which cyclists battle their way, much like a mountain finish in the Tour de France. Hundreds of thousands of fans line the entire course between Roth, the Rothsee, and the surrounding communities of the district.

Festival of Endurance Sports

Around the race, a multi-day triathlon festival unfolds in Roth, featuring a welcome party on the historic market square, an expo, a pasta party, and an emotional finish line in the triathlon stadium. Roth is located in Middle Franconia in the state of Bavaria and is completely dedicated to triathlon throughout the weekend.