Search
shop

Challenge Roth 2025: IRONMAN World Champion Laura Philipp will bid for first win in iconic triathlon

The IRONMAN world champion is looking to add another coveted title to her collection on home roads in Germany this summer
News Director
Last updated -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

Reigning women’s IRONMAN world champion Laura Philipp is targeting a first victory at Challenge Roth, which takes place on July 6 this year.

The German was third in 2022 and then runner-up last year as first Daniela Ryf and then Anne Haug broke the world record for the fastest-ever full-distance time in the iconic event around Roth.

Philipp put on a masterclass of her own to win the IMWC in Nice last September, seeing off Kat Matthews in tremendous style on the Cote d’Azur.

Advertisement

Laura will try her luck again

Talking about Roth, Philipp said: “3, 2, ? – do good things come in threes for me in Roth? I would like to try my luck again.

“It’s the event in Germany and the most atmospheric triathlon in the world. I’m looking forward to the race!”

Philipp may have finished nearly 12 minutes behind Haug at Roth last year but her time of 8:14:13 was a personal best – and the third quickest in history for a 3.8km swim, a 180km bike and a 42.2km run.

Race director Felix Walchshöfer said: “Laura is an incredible athlete with a fantastic development over the last few years. With her victory in Nice, she has finally put the crown on her head.

“And she has also proven her top class in Roth in the last two races. We as the organisers are proud she will compete with us again, and the triathlon district and all fans of the sport can look forward to an absolute world-class competition in Roth once again.”

Laura Philipp finishing Challenge Roth 2024
Photo Credit: Christoph Raithel / Challenge Roth

Among Philipp’s rivals are Britons Fenella Langridge, Nikki Bartlett and Laura Siddall.

Royle’s full-distance bow

And on the men’s side it has been announced that top Australian athlete Aaron Royle will compete in his first long-distance event on the legendary course in Franconia.

The 2016 Olympian has moved up to middle-distance in recent years and said: “‘I am extremely excited to race my first full distance at Challenge Roth this year.

“Roth is a bucket list race so for it to be my first full distance is providing great motivation to make it a memorable one. I can’t wait to experience the many good things I have heard about it this July.”

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
Dave Ellis / Luke Pollard - World Para Triathlon Championships Pontevedra 2023
Golden opportunity – British Triathlon launches search for LA2028 paratriathlon guides
IRONMAN Lanzarote 2024 - Anne Haug on run course
Best marathon shoes for Ironman – the ‘legal’ super shoes you CAN wear to level up your run split
Challenge Sanremo 2024 - Photo: Jose Luis Hourcade
How to fuel your triathlon training: Expert nutritionist tips to help you nail every session
swim start IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2024 photo credit Tony Svensson IRONMAN
Level up your Ironman swim split – must-read tips from an expert swim coach
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
latest News
Richard Varga Jonny Brownlee Arzachena
Triathlon legend Jonny Brownlee reveals ‘Last Dance’ motivation behind latest challenge
IRONMAN Kona 2022 Age Group Results
How will “re-imagined” IRONMAN World Championship at Kona actually look for Age Groupers?
Lucy Charles-Barclay IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2023 Finish
IRONMAN World Championship goes ALL IN on Kona again with men and women to race on same day from 2026
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
Nice gets consolation prize of 70.3 Worlds after IRONMAN World Championships return to Kona
Kona scenic 2022 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
The survey results which prompted IRONMAN’s dramatic Kona U-turn
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

Share to...