As DATEV Challenge Roth heads towards its 15th anniversary on 17 July, it has released data on participation numbers, showing significant growth from key international markets, with 72 nations represented in total.
The largest increase reflects Asia’s status as an important growth region for triathlon. Last year, just one Thai athlete took part in Challenge Roth, this year there are 39, a huge growth on a percentage basis. The trend is reflected throughout Asia – Singapore participation is up 133% and China by 80%.
In the west, the USA has increased 71%, rising from 92 to 157 athletes who are making the trip across the Atlantic as are Mexican athletes whose numbers have increased by 800%. In the east, Russia has grown by 86% while from Europe so have Portugal (267%) and Norway (1,000%).
Further afield, entries from New Zealand have increased by 76%. Finally, 2016 marks the largest Israeli field ever at the German event with 127 taking part, up 182% on 2015.
“While Germany remains the largest nation represented, as you’d expect, we’re delighted to see such significant growth, not only from emerging triathlon nations, but also from well established markets such as the USA and New Zealand,” said Challenge Roth race director, Felix Walchshöfer. “And for me personally, it is extremely gratifying to see so many of our Israeli friends making the trip to Roth. As a German, it means more than they will probably ever realise.”
Challenge Roth 2016 will feature over 5,500 athletes from 72 nations on 17 July, living up to the Challenge Family statement, ‘We Are Triathlon’.
