“Love this race” - Triathlon legend Patrick Lange announces his participation in DATEV Challenge Roth 2026
“I want to make my mark on Roth and secure my second victory here”
Three-time Hawaii winner, Roth champion, and one of the fastest marathon runners the long distance has ever seen: when Patrick Lange steps up to the start line, world-class performance is guaranteed. Lange will return to DATEV Challenge Roth on July 5, 2026, where he already triumphed in 2021.
Victory with a marathon time under 2:30 hours?
The three-time Ironman World Champion and Germany's 2018 Sportsman of the Year wants to cause another sensation in Roth: “I want to make my mark in Roth and secure my second victory here. My dream is to run a marathon in under 2:30 and take the win. And if I have a perfect day, we're talking about a very fast overall time.”
The 39-year-old has taken the triathlon district of Roth to heart: “Roth feels less like a competition and more like an exceptional moment in time! The energy of the spectators, the volunteers, and the entire district carries you through times where you would otherwise have to fight much harder. That's exactly why I want to show my best there again, and that's exactly why I love this race.”
Lange has a long history at the Home of Triathlon. After his victory five years ago, Lange finished second twice in the following years and had to withdraw from the race in 2024 due to injury. 2026 will be Lange's fifth start.
“Absolute legend of the sport”
Race director Felix Walchshöfer is looking forward to the return of the Salzburg resident: "We really missed Patrick on the course last year. So we in Roth, and I personally, are all the more delighted he has decided to compete with us again. Patrick is an absolute legend in our sport and has many friends here. I am sure that the whole district will once again create the feel-good atmosphere that Patrick needs to deliver a top performance.”