Search
shop

The moment Magnus Ditlev knew he could beat his own world record at Challenge Roth

The great Dane had to pull out all the stops on the marathon to beat his own full-distance world record time.
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Magnus Ditlev revealed it wasn’t until the halfway point of the marathon that he realised another world record full-distance time was on the cards at Challenge Roth.

The great Dane always looked in control of the men’s race as he powered to a third successive victory.

But less clear-cut was whether he would beat his time of 7:24:40 from last year, the best ever if we don’t include Kristian Blummenfelt’s 7:21:11 at IRONMAN Cozumel in 2021 when there was a down-current swim.

Advertisement

How Magnus’ record race panned out

Wet conditions this year meant Ditlev’s bike time was a couple of minutes less fast than 2023, though he still dipped just under the four-hour mark for that.

But he set out quickly on the marathon and started to stretch out what was already a significant lead.

His half marathon split was 1:16:16 and it was at that point the record started to come into focus – he needed a second half of 1:19 or better.

Race against the clock

Speaking at the finish line he explained: “I had a really good swim [he was just 51 seconds off the lead]. So that set me up for the first part of the race.

Magnus Ditlev joy Challenge Roth 2024 [Photo credit: Simon Fischer | Challenge Roth]
Magnus Ditlev celebrates his win [Photo credit: Simon Fischer | Challenge Roth]

“And then on the bike, I actually had really good power, far better than last year.

“But I think the rain made the course a little bit slow on the bike.

“And I felt really good on the run. Of course I know the course a bit by now! That was certainly an advantage. But the spectators were once again phenomenal and spurred me on to this performance.

“I had asked my coach around the half marathon mark and then he said I was two minutes faster.

“So from there on, I was really wanting to beat the record.”

And a 2:34 marathon, more than eight minutes quicker than his rivals and nearly three minutes better than he clocked last year, proved the difference as he went under the record by just under a minute.

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  
Discover more
tri-fit vortex tri suit review
TRI-FIT VORTEX tri suit review – race day approved performance
Maja Stage Nielsen Kat Matthews Jocelyn McCauley IRONMAN Texas 2023 podium photo credit IRONMAN
PremiumRacing to keep up: Is social media making us train harder?
Cadomotus chronos aero triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL
PremiumTraining to heart rate vs power on the bike
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumHow to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
latest News
Tim Don Supertri Toronto 2025
Tim Don: Watch out for Jonny Brownlee bounce back and Fanni Szalai at Supertri Chicago
Morgan Pearson run T100 San Francisco 2025
Morgan Pearson born to run – ‘maybe I’m the T100 X Factor with a lot to prove’
Georgia Taylor Brown smiles Supertri Toronto 2025
‘It might take a miracle but I’ll give it my best shot’ – can GTB repeat Supertri Chicago win?
Sam Renouf CEO of the PTO
T100 Valencia replacement announced as PTO chief acknowledges “challenges” with 2025 calendar
ironman hamburg 2025 podium laura philipp kat matthews solveig lovseth
Matthews and Løvseth clash again in star-studded IRONMAN 70.3 Zell am See
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...