Challenge Roth Triathlon 2025 – Race report
7 July 2025
Challenge Roth Triathlon 2025 – Race report by Any Smithers.
We were up at 0400 on race day after about 6 hours sleep which is quite unusual but we had a super early night Saturday.
Drove down to Roth, parked the van up and made our way over to the start and T1.
Bike was already racked so I just put the finishing touches (nutrition, shoes and elastic bands, pumped up the tyres (as let the air out the day before due to the heat).
Saw a few of the pros before their start chilling and warming up (Laura, Vincent, Tom B, Sam).
Went and said my goodbyes to the girls and prepared myself for my 0735 start time.
Water temp was 25.3’c so it was non wetsuit. First time in over 30 years.
Swim was well spaced out so wasn’t drafting and had plenty of room. Working alone for 3.8k was tough but I managed a 1:12 which I knew was down on my target time.
T1 you grab your red bike bag and are followed by your own helper. She emptied the bag whilst I put on my socks etc then she repacked it and I was off to find my bike.
Managed a static mount, slipped my feet straight in and I was off. The bike course was stunning. Every town, village, lay-by, corner had people out cheering you on. It was a fast rolling course with a couple of short climbs.
Solar Hill. I’d heard the rumours but nothing can prepare you for what awaits. There’s a huge banner over the road which says ‘fasten your seatbelts’ and they aren’t wrong. The wall of noise and support was incredible. Over the barriers finished about half way up it was single file through the noise and crowds. I’d liken it to le tour when they ride up Alp d’huez.
Was definitely the best and I got quite emotional.
Happy to get off the bike and wasn’t 100% sure on my split. Found out after it was a 5:31. Again very happy with this.
I undid my shoes whilst coming into T2 and managed to dismount. Then a volunteer took my bike and I ran into the tent. Again my own personal helper assisted. She even then sprayed me with sunscreen.
Onto the run. It was hot. 26+ I think. We made our way to the canal. Ran down, turned round, ran back, turned round, ran back. I fuelled and hydrated at every aid station. They had everything (iced water, crushed ice, iso, red bull, coke, gels, bars, fresh water melon, bananas, dried fruit and nuts, pretzels, biscuits, apple cake). After about 30k we were heading back towards Roth.
The crowds and support are second to none. It’s like a public holiday for them and they do it in style. Music blasting out, barbecues, beers flowing.
Heading into the stadium at the finish is amazing. Seeing the girls again was very welcome, plus the finish line.
I’d hoped to get a sub 11 time and was made up when I looked at my watch and it said 10:53. Over half an hour quicker than Finland.
Met up with the girls straight after for hugs etc. the started to feel really faint and was about to pass out.
So I lay down to get some blood back into my head. Then a medic appeared checked on me and escorted me to the medical hub. After receiving a warm blanket as
I was shivering uncontrollably I was ok. Saw the girls to let them know I was good then headed for some post race food.
The buffet was amazing. Thai chicken curry and rice to start. Along with some alcohol free erdinger. Finished off with cherry strudel, water melon, kiwi and chocolate milk.
This race is the biggest and best in the world so if you get the chance to do it you must.
3500 individual athletes and 700 relay teams
But what makes it even more special are the volunteers. 7500 of them and there’s a waiting list to be one. They are everywhere, cheering your name and encouraging you.
I have to say thanks to the coaches, training buddies and the club. It’s been a long 6 months of training so I’ll take a few days rest before getting back out there.
One last thank you to the two best supporters.
Karen and Molly have had to put up with me training very long hours, early mornings, straight after work, all spare hours and I may have been a little moody at times but I couldn’t do it without your full support.
So thank you ❤️.
Luckily Molly trains similar so there’s always a buddy and reason to go out.
Sorry for the long waffle but I had to share my experience.
See you all soon 🇩🇪
To find out more about joining Chi Tri click here!