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 world’s 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

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 €74,000 to €160,000 – a huge rise of 115%.

These prize money increases, alongside DATEV Challenge Roth’s existing athlete contractual and bonus payments, elevates the event to Platinum status (up from Gold) in the PTO World Rankings.  

Race Director Felix Walchshöfer says the huge boost underscores a desire to support the sport’s top athletes, explaining: “We 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.

“Special 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.”

How the new prize pool (and bonus pool) works

Starting in 2025, first-place finishers at DATEV Challenge Roth will receive €30,000 – double the previous year’s amount. Second place will earn €20,000, representing a 150% increase, while third place will take home €10,000. Prize allocations for fourth and fifth place are €7,000 and €5,000, respectively.

As in past years, the event will keep the bonus for the world’s best time and continue to offer the ‘Sub9’ program for male athletes and ‘Sub10’ 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.