it is a rare day in triathlon when spectators can get a great view of the swim course. Photo: Paul Phillips/Competitive image
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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
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
Felix, Jan, Rob and Chrissie celebrate the end of the 2017 Challenge Roth. Photo: Paul Phillips/Competitive image
The finish line at Challenge Roth is truly a party. Photo: Jay Prasuhn
The finish line at Challenge Roth is truly a party. Photo: Jay Prasuhn
A finisher and his daughter pose at the finish line. Photo: Jay Prasuhn
Daniela Ryf puts a medal on another finisher. Photo: Jay Prasuhn
A fan is excited to meet two-time Ironman world champion Jan Frodeno. Photo: Jay Prasuhn
A finisher gets to meet Chrissie Wellington after a long day of racing. Photo: Jay Prasuhn
Everyone gets an enthusiasm welcome to the finish line. Photo: Jay Prasuhn
Party time! Photo: Jay Prasuhn
Party time! Photo: Jay Prasuhn
Party time! Photo: Jay Prasuhn
A field of 3,400 competed on a hot and humid day at the 2017 Challenge Roth triathlon. See the pro gallery here.
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