“You really have to experience this atmosphere for yourself.” – The BLACKROLL® team at the DATEV Challenge Roth
More than just swim, bike, run.
There’s no triathlon event that captivates people quite like the DATEV Challenge Roth.
“You have to experience this atmosphere at least once in your life.” That’s how Nina from the BLACKROLL relay team describes her Challenge Roth weekend. And anyone who’s been there knows exactly what she means.
With hundreds of thousands of spectators cheering along the route, balloons rising above the Main-Danube Canal and an atmosphere on the Solarer Berg reminiscent of the Tour de France, it quickly becomes clear: Roth is far more than just a triathlon.
“The swim start at sunrise – simply a spine-tingling moment. And on Solarer Berg, it feels just like the Tour de France.
It’s unbelievable what goes on there.”
Marc was also overwhelmed by the atmosphere:
“I never would have thought that a triathlon could stir up so many emotions. You realise straight away why Roth is the greatest race of all for so many people.”
Even before the starting gun went off
Our Roth weekend kicked off on Friday with the first BLACKROLL Community Run at Challenge Roth. Around 40 runners came together to run, chat and share their excitement ahead of the race weekend. That’s exactly what Roth is all about: bringing people together.
As a team through Roth
With Paulina and Nina in the water, Marc and Henny on the bike, and Kaz and Laura on the run, our two BLACKROLL® relay teams took to the start line.
What awaited them, however, was anything but easy.
“It was much tougher than last year. The wind and the waves didn’t make the swim easy.”
This made the joy all the greater when both relay teams crossed the finish line together in the evening.
“Crossing the finish line together was so emotional. It was an amazing feeling to have done it as a team.”
Fred got the Funk!
Our brand ambassador Frederic Funk also made a strong impression at the DATEV Challenge Roth 2026. Despite a build-up marred by setbacks, he fought his way back into the top ten and finished seventh.
His performance impressively demonstrates that success does not come from perfect conditions, but from the ability to keep getting back up after setbacks.
In our athlete profile, Frederic tells us how he prepared for Roth at the high-altitude training camp, what challenges he faced and what drives him.
Reset to push limits – Frederic Funk
Exhausted, drained and completely spent. Now the recovery begins.
The finish line doesn’t mark the end of the story. For many, that’s exactly where recovery begins.
In our Recovery Area and at the BLACKROLL stand, we met athletes who were physically utterly exhausted – yet at the same time brimming with pride. Together, we supported many of them through the first few minutes of Recovery: in the Compression Boots, on the AIR LOUNGER, as they stretched and mobilised, and as they took their first deep breath after a day they’ll never forget.
Carbon shoes for amateur runners?
Do you really need them?See you next year, Roth.
What remains after Roth is more than just Swim. Bike. Run.
It’s resilience. Team spirit. Recovery. And memories that extend far beyond the finish line.
See you next year, Roth. You beautiful monster.
