John Arne Riise knows all about memorable nights in a stadium – and the former Liverpool star is now targeting a very different sporting occasion at DATEV Challenge Roth.

The Norwegian, who helped Liverpool produce their extraordinary comeback in the 2005 Champions League final, has announced he will tackle his first long-distance triathlon at the German race on July 4, 2027.

That means a 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and a full 42.2km marathon before he can soak up the celebrations in Roth’s famous Triathlon Stadium.

And while Riise’s football career took him to some of Europe’s biggest stages, he admits he is stepping into unfamiliar territory.

“Time to get to work”

Riise, who will be 47 by race day, said: “I have no clue what I’m going through but I’ve started training now – time to get to work. I’m very excited to join this iconic event with all the fans.”

He has confirmed Roth will be his first attempt at the full long-distance format, marking a new sporting challenge for Norway’s most-capped men’s footballer.

Riise made 110 international appearances and played more than 300 times for Liverpool between 2001 and 2008. His career also included spells with Monaco, Roma and Fulham.

But it is his involvement in Liverpool’s fifth European Cup triumph which provides the most memorable link between his footballing past and the challenge ahead.

From Istanbul to Roth

Liverpool were trailing AC Milan 3–0 at half-time in Istanbul in 2005 when they launched one of football’s most celebrated comebacks.

Riise supplied the cross for Steven Gerrard’s header to make it 3–1, the first of three Liverpool goals in a remarkable six-minute spell. The match finished 3–3 after extra time before Liverpool won the penalty shootout.

More than two decades later, his next major sporting target offers another stadium occasion – although getting there will require a very different kind of endurance.

Roth’s finish is one of the event’s defining attractions, with athletes entering the Triathlon Stadium after a day which begins in the Main-Danube Canal and takes them through the crowds on the celebrated Solarer Berg.

For a former footballer accustomed to the noise of the stands, it promises a familiar soundtrack at the end of an unfamiliar journey.

Following Norway’s triathlon trail

Riise will also be taking up a challenge in a sport where his compatriots have made an extraordinary impact in recent years.

Kristian Blummenfelt’s Olympic gold and IRONMAN world title, Gustav Iden’s triumphs at both IRONMAN and 70.3 world championship level, and the emergence of Casper Stornes and Solveig Løvseth as IRONMAN world champions have given Norway a remarkable presence at the top of triathlon.

Riise’s ambitions will be very different as he prepares for his long-distance debut, but he will not have to look far for Norwegian inspiration.

Another Liverpool number 18 heads to Roth

There is a more unexpected connection too, through one of Riise’s former Liverpool shirt numbers.

At Anfield, he wore number 18, previously held by Erik Meijer. The Dutchman completed his own first long-distance triathlon at Roth in 2021, finishing in 11:03:32.

Now Riise is following his Liverpool predecessor onto the same course.

Race organiser Felix Walchshöfer welcomed the announcement, saying: “John Arne Riise has already experienced a lot in football. Now, with his first long-distance race, a completely new challenge awaits him. We’re delighted that he’s coming to Roth for this.

“We’re keen to see how he’ll cope with the distance and, above all, experience the very special atmosphere along the course. I’m sure he won’t forget 4 July 2027 in a hurry.”

With around 7,500 volunteers helping deliver the event and spectators lining its most famous sections, Riise can expect plenty of encouragement.

The task now is to prepare for the swim, bike and run which stand between him and that next stadium finish.