‘German Forrest Gump’ reaches target of 120 Ironmans IN A ROW to extend world record

He’d already set a world record by completing 106 full-distance triathlons in as many days – but German adventurer Jonas Deichmann wasn’t satisfied with just beating the previous best of 105 by Britain’s Sean Conway.

Instead he added a full two weeks on and late on Thursday September 5 he achieved his aim of a monumental 120 in a row.

That’s meant swimming 3.8km, cycling 180km and running a marathon every single day around the famous Challenge Roth course in Bavaria in a charity challenge that has captivated Germany.

Known as the ‘German Forrest Gump’, 37-year-old Deichmann holds multiple world records in cycling and endurance events and this isn’t his first triathlon feat – his ‘Triathlon 360’ in 2020 took him around the world and covered the equivalent of 120 full-distance races.

But now he’s done the 120 back-to-back and writing on his Instagram page he said: “I am over the moon and want to celebrate this achievement with all of you together.”

‘Half-time highlight at Challenge Roth’

The challenge started on May 9 and the “half-time highlight” came on the day of Challenge Roth this year on July 7, which was also notable for world record performances in terms of the quickest-ever full distance times for Anne Haug and Magnus Ditlev.

Jonas Deichmann reached the halfway mark at Challenge Roth on 7th July 2024 [Photo credit: Challenge Roth]

And on August 22 the notable milestone of a new world record came when he surpassed the previous record of 105 set by fellow adventurer Conway.

But he was determined to carry on to the 120 mark and the final day on Thursday saw him accompanied by over 300 fellow runners on the marathon – underlining the support he has received.

He had at the start of the day: “119 days have passed, on which I put myself out there. Open water swimming, cycling 180km on open roads, with traffic but without drafting, and running a full marathon afterwards. In the wind, the rain, the hail, the heat.

“To have reached this point, that I’ve worked towards for so long, without major hick-ups, feels phenomenal and I am ready for the big finale. But as the word finale determines: after this one it‘s over, so let‘s enjoy it all together.”

And enjoy it everyone did as he was cheered all the way around the bike and run courses, finishing at just after 9pm local time.

Afterwards he added: “CHALLENGE 120 SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED!🕺

“120 long-distance triathlons in a row! This was by far the most challenging endeavor I ever faced. Tonight I finished my 120 Ironman-distance triathlon, in 120 days and set a NEW WORLD RECORD with this mark. A huge thanks to everyone who helped me to make this possible.

“For team @challengeroth and the county of Roth, who hosted this world-record project. To my sponsors, who equipped and supported me. For the community, that made this project such an outstanding experience.

“And last but not least, to my team. Without them, this project would simply not have been possible.