DATEV Challenge Roth.
The Long Distance at DATEV Challenge Roth covers the full iron distance through the rolling hills of Middle Franconia: 3.8 kilometres of swimming in the Main-Donau-Kanal, 180 kilometres of cycling in two identical laps and a closing marathon. Of the day's roughly 1,630 metres of climbing, almost all comes from the bike; the canal marathon is near-flat at 173 metres.
DATEV Challenge Roth 2027: Course, Elevation & Route Profile
Challenge Roth has been held since 1984 and stands as the world's largest long-distance triathlon: 3.8 kilometres of swimming, 180 kilometres of cycling and a 42.2-kilometre marathon, 226 kilometres in total, supported by around 7,500 volunteers across the Roth district in Germany.
The swim takes place in the Main-Donau-Kanal, one of the most recognizable race starts in triathlon. The bike leg defines the course. Roughly 1,455 metres of climbing are spread over rolling terrain ridden in two near-identical loops of about 85 kilometres each, so the key climbs come around twice: the longest, 2.2 kilometres at 4.9 percent up towards Greding, arrives at kilometre 37.9 and again at kilometre 122.5. There is not one steep section on the entire bike course; 46 percent of it is flat and the rest rolls in moderate waves. The famous Solarer Berg is crossed once per lap, at kilometre 71.7 and at kilometre 156.3.
The marathon barely adds to the total: 173 metres over 42.2 kilometres, most of it in the closing twelve kilometres once the course leaves the canal towpath. The day ends with the finish inside the triathlon stadium, the closing celebration that earned the event its reputation as triathlon's dream factory.
+1,455 m
+173 m
Bike course
180 km · +1,455 m| Start | Length | Ø | Max. | Gain | Cat. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| km 13.3 | 1.4 km | 3.7 % | 5.2 % | +50 m | — |
| km 16.9 | 1 km | 4.4 % | 5.7 % | +45 m | — |
| km 37.9 | 2.2 km | 4.9 % | 7.6 % | +108 m | Cat. 4 |
| km 71.1 | 1.2 km | 4.5 % | 6.8 % | +53 m | — |
| km 97.9 | 1.4 km | 3.7 % | 5.1 % | +50 m | — |
| km 101.5 | 1 km | 4.4 % | 5.7 % | +45 m | — |
| km 122.5 | 2.2 km | 4.9 % | 7.6 % | +108 m | Cat. 4 |
| km 155.7 | 1.2 km | 4.4 % | 6.9 % | +53 m | — |
Climb categories follow the road-cycling convention and rate the terrain itself (length and gradient) regardless of sport: Cat. 4 marks the easiest rated climbs, Cat. 1 the hardest, and HC (hors catégorie, “beyond categorization”) is reserved for the most brutal ascents. Short climbs below the Cat. 4 threshold stay unrated.
Run course
42.2 km · +173 m| Start | Length | Ø | Max. | Gain | Cat. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| km 32.8 | 0.5 km | 4.6 % | 5.5 % | +24 m | — |
Climb categories follow the road-cycling convention and rate the terrain itself (length and gradient) regardless of sport: Cat. 4 marks the easiest rated climbs, Cat. 1 the hardest, and HC (hors catégorie, “beyond categorization”) is reserved for the most brutal ascents. Short climbs below the Cat. 4 threshold stay unrated.
How to pace DATEV Challenge Roth.
Settle into the race
On the Long Distance the race is decided in the marathon, but won or lost on the bike. The bike loop is fast and rolling, with 46 percent of the distance flat; the climbs at kilometres 13.3, 16.9 and 37.9 are short and moderate at roughly four to five percent, and you ride them twice. That is exactly the trap: on such a rolling course, every little ramp and every crowd tempts you to briefly go over the wattage you planned for the whole day.
Spread the effort
Ride the climbs at calm, even effort rather than out-of-the-saddle surges, and stay aerodynamic on the flat sections, because that is where you make time without burning matches. Fuel consistently on the bike so you do not start the marathon depleted.
Finish strong
The marathon then forgives nothing: the canal section is flat and unshaded and forces no change of rhythm, so an over-fast start only shows from kilometre 30, when the course finally rises. Stay disciplined on the bike to kilometre 160 and you still run the 42 kilometres evenly.
Training plan for DATEV Challenge Roth: 12-week build
Build all three disciplines
A long-distance race in Roth means roughly ten to fourteen hours of effort for most age-group athletes, with fast amateurs going well under that. The intensity is almost entirely aerobic from the first swim stroke to the finish line; the race rewards the athlete who distributes effort most evenly, not the one with the highest peak power.
Brick sessions
The course is built for exactly that. The bike leg rolls in moderate waves with no steep ramps, 46 percent of it flat, and because it is ridden in two near-identical loops, every key climb comes twice. The decisive phase is the second loop: the 2.2-kilometre climb at kilometre 122.5 lands on tired legs, and every watt spent above plan there is paid back with interest on the 42.2-kilometre run. Restraint on the rises, momentum through the descents and steady power on the flats are the entire tactical brief.
Practise transitions
Training should centre on long, even-paced rides of four to six hours in your race position, ideally over rolling terrain while keeping climbing power deliberately capped. Brick runs straight off long rides condition your legs for the marathon, and long runs on flat ground build the durability the monotonous canal section demands.
Arrive fresh
The canal swim calls for open-water practice, particularly sighting and swimming in close quarters within a big field. Finally, a day this long is decided by fueling as much as by fitness, so rehearse your race nutrition on every long session until it is routine rather than experiment.
Courses
Download each leg of DATEV Challenge Roth as its own GPX file for your watch or bike computer.
Let YOUB adapt your plan for DATEV Challenge Roth dynamically
Ben connects your goal, the course, current load, recovery, and calendar. Your plan stays pointed at race day even when real life is not perfectly plannable.
Everything about DATEV Challenge Roth.
How long is DATEV Challenge Roth?
DATEV Challenge Roth is 226 km long. That distance shapes how much aerobic endurance, pace durability, and race-specific work belong in the training plan.
How much elevation gain does DATEV Challenge Roth have?
DATEV Challenge Roth has around 1,628 m of elevation gain over 226 km. That affects pacing, muscular load, and preparation for late-race sections.
What is the profile of the bike course at DATEV Challenge Roth?
The bike course at DATEV Challenge Roth is classified as Rolling, averaging 8.1 vertical metres per kilometre. 46% of the route is flat, 26% climbs moderately (2 to 6%) and 0% is steeper than 6%.
What climbs does the bike course at DATEV Challenge Roth have?
The hardest climb on the bike course at DATEV Challenge Roth starts at kilometre 37.9, runs for 2.2 km at an average of 4.9% and gains 108 metres. Cycling-convention rating: Cat. 4. 8 climbs are mapped in total.
Is there a GPX file for the DATEV Challenge Roth course?
Yes. Each leg of DATEV Challenge Roth is on this page as its own free GPX download — ready to import into Garmin, Wahoo, Komoot, Strava or any other app that reads GPX.
How should I prepare for DATEV Challenge Roth?
Preparation for DATEV Challenge Roth should account for 226 km, 1,628 m of elevation gain, current training load, and available training time. An adaptive plan helps place key sessions without ignoring recovery and real life.
What pacing strategy works for DATEV Challenge Roth?
The pacing strategy for DATEV Challenge Roth should reflect 226 km, 1,628 m of elevation gain, and your current fitness. Start controlled and keep margin for sections where the profile or fatigue makes target pace harder.
When does DATEV Challenge Roth take place?
DATEV Challenge Roth takes place on July 4, 2027.
Where does DATEV Challenge Roth take place?
DATEV Challenge Roth takes place in Roth, Germany.
Which distances does DATEV Challenge Roth offer?
DATEV Challenge Roth offers 2 distances — Long Distance: 226 km; Relay: 226 km.
How do I register for DATEV Challenge Roth?
Registration runs through the organiser: challenge-roth.com. YOUB shows you the course, elevation profile and training plan for your preparation.
