Roth Photos! This is What a Bucket List Race Looks Like

Crowds of spectators line the canal for the Challenge Roth swim. Photo: Paul Phillips/Competitive image

Age-group athletes make their way to the start line. Photo: Paul Phillips/Competitive image

The pre-race commotion of T1 has quieted down with a few late starters making final preparations. Photo: Paul Phillips/Competitive image

Gear bags are carefully lined up so the athletes can grab them without breaking stride on the way to the changing tent. Photo: Paul Phillips/Competitive image

it is a rare day in triathlon when spectators can get a great view of the swim course. Photo: Paul Phillips/Competitive image

The sub-9:00 age group men started with the pros, followed by the female pros five minutes later, which caused the lead women to weave their way through the men. Photo: Paul Phillips/Competitive image

American-based club race kits can be seen along the course. Photo: Paul Phillips/Competitive image

It is a fast race, but Roth is not a flat race! Photo: Paul Phillips/Competitive image

Age group athletes are treated to rolling hills and spectacular views in the Bavarian countryside. Photo: Paul Phillips/Competitive image

As the hills get higher the crowds get thicker and louder. Photo: Paul Phillips/Competitive image

Riding up the famed Solarberg hill is both a physical and a mental challenge. Photo: Paul Phillips/Competitive image

Felix Walchshöfer, race director, CEO and main man at Challenge Roth, is out on the course to be sure everything is going smoothly. Photo: Paul Phillips/Competitive image

As the day winds down, the stadium is still filled to capacity celebrating every race finisher. Photo: Paul Phillips/Competitive image

Whether you do the full race or a relay, everyone gets to celebrate. Photo: Paul Phillips/Competitive image

Prior to entering the stadium, families can meet their athletes and run the final 200 meters with them. Photo: Paul Phillips/Competitive image

2016 Challenge Roth champion and iron-distance record holder Jan Frodeno was back in Roth for appearances. He stuck around to hand out medals (and pose for selfies) at the finish. Photo: Paul Phillips/Competitive image

The swim and bike members of relay teams meet their run partners to all cross the finish line together. Photo: Paul Phillips/Competitive image

Second place finisher Laura Siddall returns to the finish line to welcome and celebrate with the age-group athletes. Photo: Paul Phillips/Competitive image

Seven finishes in Roth! Photo: Paul Phillips/Competitive image

After a year-long effort to put on this amazing event, team members celebrate and take selfies with friends. Photo: Paul Phillips/Competitive image

Selfies aren’t limited to age-group fans. Here two-time winner Daniela Ryf snaps a photo with Chrissie Wellington, a three time winner and current iron-distance world record holder. Photo: Paul Phillips/Competitive image

German Pro Timo Bracht began his long-distance race career in Roth and finished his long-distance career here as well. There was a presentation to Timo celebrating his many accomplishments and contributions to German triathlon. Photo: Paul Phillips/Competitive image

Fireworks wrap up the evening at Roth. Photo: Paul Phillips/Competitive image

“Fireman Rob” Verhelst completed the entire run course in full gear. Although he was a few minutes past the cutoff, everyone in the stadium waited for him to finish. Photo: Paul Phillips/Competitive image