Challenge Roth

Maybe you didn't expect Ben Kanute to pull off a 7:37:01 in only his second attempt at the full Iron distance. But the newly-crowned "Fastest American" and his coach, Jim Vance, absolutely did.

Hint: There isn't really an Ironman world record. But there are some fastest-known Ironman (and iron-distance) times.

History was made in Germany as Daniela Ryf and Magnus Ditlev clocked the fastest times ever recorded in an iron-distance race.

With a world-record course and a world-class pro field, the stage is set for a big (maybe even record-breaking?) day at Challenge Roth. Trirating expert Thorsten Radde analyzes the super-deep men's and women's fields for the big show in Germany.

A 24-year-old triathlete from Denmark with a short race resume crossed the line 10 minutes before the two-time Ironman World Champion in his first try at Europe’s biggest tri. How did that happen?

We report from the expo in Germany.

Is that even possible? And why does the legendary event remain so mysterious to Americans? We have answers.

Plus, an emotional Jan Frodeno talks about the "hard facts" regarding the Achilles injury that forced his DNF.

Three-time Challenge Roth winner reflects on her standout moments.

On July 3, Challenge Roth will celebrate 20 years—but it's actually been around in various forms for almost four decades. We take a look back at some things you might not know about the historic race.

With the pursuit of fast 140.6-mile times top of mind, we take a look at the fastest male iron-distance performance ever.

Roth, Germany has been host to some of triathlon's most iconic performances.

The 2020 Challenge Roth triathlon is gearing up for what could be the most competitive event in its history.

The 2019 edition of Challenge Roth took place over the weekend and - as always - it provided one of the best race experiences in the world.

Dreams came true on Sunday at the 2019 Challenge Roth triathlon with Franconian local Andi Dreitz and Brit Lucy Charles-Barclay both climbing one step higher on the podium to claim their victories.

On Sunday, July 7, 3,400 individual athletes and 650 relay teams from 84 different countries will compete in Challenge Roth in the Bavarian region of Germany.

There's a reason Challenge Roth tops so many triathletes' bucket lists!

Sebastian Kienle finally broke through at Europe’s biggest race with a convincing win.

The 35th edition of Challenge Roth welcomed nearly 3,000 individual athletes and 800 relay teams.

Canyon is inching ever closer to dethroning Cervélo at Europe’s biggest race.

Two Germans beat out a tough field at the 35th running of the iconic Challenge Roth triathlon.

Challenge Roth athletes were treated to a premiere showing of the "We Are Triathletes" documentary.

Highlights from the Roth pro press conference

Expect a fast day of racing on Sunday.

A field of 3,400 competed on a hot and humid day at the 2017 Challenge Roth triathlon.

The count served as the industry’s first-ever Europe-centric bellwether of purchasing patterns among consumers in triathlon.

Bart Aernouts (BEL) and Daniela Ryf (SUI) earned the wins at today's Challenge Roth triathlon in Germany.

We're just over 24 hours away from the 2017 Challenge Roth triathlon.

Challenge Roth organizers have revealed that Sunday's race will feature an all-star relay.

Daniela Ryf will race Challenge Roth with the intention of breaking the record for fastest iron-distance race.

Ryf will go after Chrissie Wellington's iron-distance record this summer at the 2017 Challenge Roth triathlon, set for July 9.

Jan Frodeno smashed the previous record, clocking a 45:22 swim, 4:09:22 bike and 2:40:35 run to set a new world record of 7:35:39.

The final hours of iron-distance triathlons are always a celebration, but Challenge Roth takes it to the next level.

Each age group athlete is treated with the same welcoming spirit as the pros at Challenge Roth.

Photographer Paul Phillips captures the record-breaking pro race at Challenge Roth 2016.

It was a history-making day in Germany as Frodeno annihilated the world record for fastest iron-distance triathlon.

Photographer Paul Phillips captures the smiles from the Challenge Roth pre-race swim, expo, and athlete dinner.

Denmark’s Michelle Vesterby is equally admired for her athletic skill and for her vivacious personality.

Challenge Roth is a race, but that doesn't keep athletes from having a bit of fun.

The Ironman world champion arrived in Roth Thursday morning after a last-minute decision to start Sunday’s race.

We're just a few days away from the action at Challenge Roth!

World champions, defending champions and podium hopefuls assembled in Roth, Germany this morning for a press conference.

Felix Walchshöfer shares a glimpse behind the scenes and chats aobut what’s in store for this year’s race.

Fifteen athletes will race the iconic Challenge Roth in honor of a passionate teenager whose life was cut tragically short.

More than a quarter million spectators are expected this Sunday in Roth, Germany.

This Sunday's race will see both defending Ironman world champions make the start.

The 2008 Olympic gold medalist and 2015 70.3 and Ironman world champion will go after the iron-distance world record.

This iconic German race exemplifies the spirit of triathlon in a way that no other race does. Add it to your must-do list. Today.

Challenge Roth boasts perhaps the most exciting final hour in the sport.

Images of the 31st running of Challenge Roth from Bavaria, Germany.

Yvonne Van Vlerken claimed her third Challenge Roth title, while Nils Frommhold earned his first win on the iconic course.

Athletes spent Friday getting in some open-water swim practice and partying with some (non-alcoholic) beer from Erdinger.

In addition to sitting in a penalty tent for five minutes, athletes will have to run an extra 1K at the 28K mark of the run course.

This motto for this year is "Race the Legend" and 250,000 spectators are expected to watch the race unfold on the Bavarian course.

Athletes spent Thursday taking care of race registration and attending the legendary “Erdinger Urweisse” party.

The German pro will turn 40 this month and hopes to defend his victory on Sunday.

To win Challenge Roth, Yvonne Van Vlerken says she'll need "to run the best marathon of my life."

Following surgery and a tough recovery, Starykowicz is now hoping he's on the way back to racing healthy.

The German village of Roth, Bavaria is bustling with excitement over the upcoming 2015 Challenge Roth triathlon.

The new program aims to reward athletes loyal to the Challenge brand with entries to the company's iconic Challenge Roth event in Germany.

"Dispatch" columnist Holly Bennett writes about her experience racing at the 30th anniversary of Challenge Roth.

Race winners Mirinda Carfrae and Timo Bracht, and participants Sister Madonna Buder and Challenge Family CEO Walchshöfer look back on Roth.

Germany's Timo Bracht and Australia's Mirinda Carfrae earned the victories on an unseasonably warm day in Roth.

The expo was buzzing, while crews put the final touches on the 10,000 person stadium at the finish line.

Defending Roth champ Dirk Bockel is feeling fit and ready to lay it all out there yet again on the course he calls his all-time favorite.

The question many are asking is “is it possible to be in top shape for Roth and Kona?” Eneko Llanos gave his take.

The man they call Macca has competed in Roth several times and chatted with Bob Babbitt about what makes this race so unique.

A look at the fastest iron-distance course in the world.

Pete Jacobs has raced Challenge Roth five times, with two second place finishes.

Athletes participate in final pre-race activities and festivities ahead of Sunday's 30th running of Challenge Roth.

Caroline Steffen chats about being coached by Chris "Macca" McCormack and facing a tough field Sunday at Challenge Roth.

Joyce, who will look to regain the Challenge Roth title that was hers in 2012, chatted about making the leap and racing in Roth.

Read what some of the top pros set to compete in Sunday's 30th Anniversary of Challenge Roth had to say ahead of the big day.

Australian pro Rebekah Keat has already posted a blistering time of 8:39:24 on the Challenge Roth course.

Challenge Roth is celebrating its 30th anniversary this Sunday and it will welcome a stellar pro field.

Joe Gambles is fresh off of his fourth-straight win at 70.3 Boulder, and he says that Challenge Roth is a priority race for him.

Mirinda “Rinny” Carfrae comes to Roth as the reigning Ironman world champion, yet as a rookie on this storied course.

The 2013 Kona runner-up chats about his unconventional season, becoming a father and the fierce competition he'll face on Sunday.

Felix Walchshöfer chats about his plans to race and the efforts to discourage drafting at the 30th anniversary running of the iconic event.

The iron-distance focused triathlon documentary, slated for release in early 2015, will follow a handful of athletes to Challenge Roth.

Challenge Family announced today the opportunity to win a "royal package" for the inaugural Challenge Bahrain.

Challenge Roth today announced the professional field for the iron-distance race, set for July 20, and it features some of the biggest names in triathlon.

The Challenge Family announced today that its marquee race, the Challenge Roth triathlon, has sold out for 2014 in record time.

The lesson learned from my July's Baker’s Dozen race? Attitude truly is everything.

James Cunnama chats about his 2013 Roth race and his expectations for this fall's Ironman World Championship.

Bracht was in contention for the Challenge Roth win until he received a flat and was stuck on the road for more than 15 minutes.