Challenge Roth announces MASSIVE prize money increase
Challenge Roth continues to be one of the iconic races on the annual triathlon calendar, and it is going to a whole new level when it comes to prize money as well.
The German showpiece event has become a bucket list race for Pro athletes and Age Groupers alike, with the incredible atmosphere driven by passionate crowds giving it a Tour de France-like feel.
Roth has also become a big headline driver on course as well with the ridiculously fast times set by some of the worldâs greatest stars.
In 2023 Daniela Ryf smashed the long-standing best full-distance time set by Chrissie Wellington, and in 2024 Anne Haug then destroyed it again. Magnus Ditlev meanwhile reached similar levels in 2023 and 2024.
Roth prize money more than doubles
Anne Haug starred at Challenge Roth in 2024 with an incredible time [Photo credit: Simon Fischer | Challenge Roth]
Now Roth is starting to get prize money levels to match the status of the race and Pro fields, with the 2025 pot set to rise from âŹ74,000 to âŹ160,000 â a huge rise of 115%.
These prize money increases, alongside DATEV Challenge Rothâs existing athlete contractual and bonus payments, elevates the event to Platinum status (up from Gold) in the PTO World Rankings. Â
Race Director Felix Walchshöfer says the huge boost underscores a desire to support the sportâs top athletes, explaining: âWe are incredibly pleased to further support professional athletes at DATEV Challenge Roth. Its designation as a Platinum-level race, due to the increased prize money for the leading athletes, highlights its significance as one of the most prestigious races that features a 3.8km swim, 180km bike and 42.2km run.
âSpecial thanks to Sam [Renouf] and the entire PTO team for their collaboration to advance professional triathlon as our goal is always to cooperate for the benefit of our sport and our outstanding community.â
How the new prize pool (and bonus pool) works
Starting in 2025, first-place finishers at DATEV Challenge Roth will receive âŹ30,000 â double the previous yearâs amount. Second place will earn âŹ20,000, representing a 150% increase, while third place will take home âŹ10,000. Prize allocations for fourth and fifth place are âŹ7,000 and âŹ5,000, respectively.
As in past years, the event will keep the bonus for the worldâs best time and continue to offer the âSub9â program for male athletes and âSub10â for female athletes, rewarding men who finish under nine hours and women who complete the 3.8 km swim, 180 km bike, and 42.2 km run in under 10 hours.
