Pity that Solar hill was not included in bike course. Organizers shortened cutoff times, although only bike course was cut by 10km. The race is very popular, which was apparent from hospitality and atmospehere of local people. The section of marathon on the bank of channel is mind-challenging (where is the turning point?). Swin course - because of the sun, one cannot see properly the first bridge, where is the turning point. The "cherry" is the uphill forest section on 33-35 km run. However, the race is very good experience and would definitely recommend to everyone who is triathlon-addicted to try it and enjoy it, like me. The finish is something unique and the feeling cannot be described. 

This race is my favorite long distance triathlon. It starts with a beautiful location, it continues with great logistics at the sign in and super friendly people, on to a great vendor expo. Race bike checkin is smooth. Race day morning is straight forward. The transitions are well laid out with helpful volunteers. The bike course is well controlled to keep cars away or under clear control. The run is flat with just enough hills to make you feel you did something. The finish stadium with a capacity of over 10,000 spectators is unique and then the fireworks can't be beat! Done 5 times and looking forward to next year!

This is a bucket list race! From the moment you enter Roth town you realize how big and special this event is, "Welcome home triathletes" banners are everywhere and you start to get a tingle down your spine. Iconic doesn't do this race justice.

If you ever get the chance, my advice is take it even just to experience the thrill of riding up solarer berg. Its iconic for a reason and the crowds and volunteers (7,000) make it special. I would definitely do this race again.

Swim - fairly easy down and back in the canal. Its murky water but warm. The waves are approx 200-250 people and there is plenty of room. Top tip if you are a strong swimmer, make sure you put a faster expected time than you expect for the overall event. You will get in a earlier wave, otherwise you will be swimming through previous waves and navigating around can slow you down. Support along the canal and on the bridges is like nothing you will have seen, you realise how large this event is.

Bike - The roads are the smoothest I've ridden, be warned though this is not a flat course! i mistook fast for flat but it has approx 1,500m of climbing however you do get to keep you speed through the bike course. There is only 1 real steep hill (Greding). Depending on the wind strength and direction you may get some fairly strong headwinds which typically develop later in the day, so its an incentive to speed through. Support is great through all of the course, the hills are well supported and Solarer berg is as crazy as it looks. You come into Hippolstien off a fast down hill, turn the corner and are greeted to a wall of sound, noise and people everywhere. You can even see the route up the hill but somehow the crowds part to let you though. expect a pat or two on the bum as you power up the incline. The race is worth doing just to do this!

Run - Its long, the canal-side seems to go on for ever, just when you think you should be turning around, you see another feed-station out in the distance. Also be warned there is a steady incline at around 35km through the forest just when you don't need it but the support again is great and you get the downhill back into Roth. The centre of Roth is packed with supporters.

Support - is absolutely unbelievable, even in the small little villages miles from the transition areas you will see people eating drinking and cheering the athletes on. Pre and post race food and drink is very good, Erdinger is everywhere and unlimited. The race expo is large and enough shops, exhibits for any forgotten items.

If you have supporters with you, getting between transitions can be hard, roads are closed and a bike would be a good option. Accommodation is also tough, only a few hotels and camping on Roth else its staying in hotels 10km out.

Overall the best race Ive done, i’ll be back.

What an incredible race! The legend is definitely true. The crowds of people cheering you on only thinned out on the slightly mundane but very flat run course. Villages you pass through seemed to be competing for best support awards, such a great atmosphere. 

The aid stations were well stocked and very frequent with attentive and helpful marshals.

The only negative was fiinding the race venues to register and drop bikes. More signage would have been helpful, but in the end you can just follow the crowds.

I will never forget the feeling of solar Hill on the bike and the finish stadium. It was electric. 

This race has it all.

The course offers a chance for a fast swim, fast bike and fast run.

The organisation is second to none. The atmosphere electric.

The finishing stadium they build is incredible, not to mention the after party fireworks which top it all off nicely.

The recovery zone offer free massage, great food choices, warm showers etc. 

100% recommend.

I did this in 2016 and having just re-read my review I think most of it still stands up. The organisation of this race is second to none, having now done an Ironman event plus a couple of big name 70.3 races I have something to compare it to. 

Challenge Roth has the Athletes at its heart, loads of Marshalls/Volunteers make this a great experience. They are so helpful and friendly. There are little things that just make it such a great weekend, 

• The Pancake at the Pasta Party from the Austria team :)
• The 1km penalty loop to dissuade drafters
• The start time on predicted finish time spaces people out
• The youngsters on the aid stations with big smiles and high 5's
• The colour coding of the feed stations
• The Grandstand Finsh Line 

These are just some, its a bucket list race and having now done it twice i am a lucky boy. I loved the new run course, harder but love a challenge and Buchenbach is worth the pain. 

If you can get a slot - Go for it :) 

Challenge certainly know how to put on a race for the athlete. Roth lives up to its legend and is an amazing race and should be on every triathletes bucket list. yes its not the easiest to get to and it has a split transition but its dealt with far better than IMUK which i have done 4 times. an awesome atmosphere, the whole region 'buys-in' to the event and it is supported superbly. at 35 years old it is an established event not to be missed. a fast course, the best road surface to ride on - not a pothole in sight! great goody bag, fantastic pasta party and stunning fireworks to wrap it up - whats not to like?