At the ‘sailfish Night of the Year’ awards on November 29, 2025, DATEV Challenge Roth was named ‘Race of the Year’ for the 14th time in a row.
The ceremony took place in Langen, Germany, near Frankfurt. Readers of Triathlon Magazine in Germany voted for their preferred long-distance event, with DATEV Challenge Roth securing 51% of the vote.
This placed the German event ahead of the IRONMAN World Championship in Hawaii (18%) and the IRONMAN World Championship in Nice (11%).
Kathrin Walchshöfer-Helneder from organiser TEAMCHALLENGE said “Being named Race of the Year 14 years in a row is no mean feat. It is this unique sense of togetherness, this atmosphere and passion that make Roth so magical.
“Many thanks to everyone who voted for us and a big thank you to everyone who makes the race a little bit better every year. This award belongs to all of you!”
In addition to the event accolade, Alice Walchshöfer received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the ceremony. Often referred to as the ‘Triathlon Oscars’, the event recognised her commitment to the sport in the district of Roth in southern Germany.
Alice Walchshöfer has managed TEAMCHALLENGE since 2001 alongside her children, Felix Walchshöfer and Kathrin Walchshöfer-Helneder. The award recognising her achievements was presented by professional triathlete Anne Haug.
Alice Walchshöfer said “I am completely speechless. When I see who has already received the award: Jan Frodeno, Werner Brombach, Daniela Ryf. It is unbelievable that I am now joining the ranks of all these big names. I did not expect such an honour at all.”
Anne Haug said “Alice, your passion, your warmth and your charisma – that very special aura you exude – make DATEV Challenge Roth what it is: a magical place and a home for us triathletes. On behalf of the entire triathlon community, I would like to thank you for everything you do for the sport.”
The next edition of DATEV Challenge Roth is scheduled for July 5, 2026. According to the event organising team, the event is sold out, with athletes from 110 nations expected to attend.
