When Global Stars and Unsung Heroes Compete Together
Special people and inspiring stories at DATEV Challenge Roth 2025
What would DATEV Challenge Roth be without the people who make it what it so unique? Alongside the world's best professionals, thousands of special personalities compete on 6 July, including para-athletes who are pushing boundaries with impressive strength, and familiar faces from sport, media and culture who cannot resist the magic of Roth.
Impressive stories: these athletes are breaking boundaries
Paralympic flag bearer competes in long distance for the first time
Martin Schulz is one of the greats in parasport: two-time Paralympic gold medalist, bronze in Paris 2024, most recently European champion in the short distance for the twelfth time in June 2025. Now the 35-year-old from Leipzig is making his long-distance debut – in Roth, of course. He is competing as a professional with start number 13.
From the pool to the finish line
The exceptional Chinese athlete, Wang Jiachao, lost his left arm at the age of five and still became a professional swimmer. In London 2012, he won Paralympic gold, two silver medals, and later also fourth place in Tokyo. He recently switched to triathlon – and Roth will be his first long distance race.
Sub10 – as the first athlete with dwarfism?
Zachary Josie from the USA has a rare genetic disorder (Ellis-van Creveld syndrome) that causes dwarfism. Nevertheless, he discovered his passion for triathlon at college. His goal for Roth: to be the first person with EVC syndrome to finish in under 10 hours. A real world first.
From the Marathon des Sables to Roth
Mohamed Lahna was born with a severe bone defect – without a right thigh bone and without a fibula. But instead of limitations, he saw only possibilities: bronze in Rio 2016, silver in Paris 2024, swimming across the Strait of Gibraltar, finishing the Marathon des Sables and in Kona. Now it's Roth's turn. A dream come true.
Autism is his superpower
Sam Holness is the first professional triathlete with autism – and is competing in Roth for the second year in a row. His goal: to break down prejudices and encourage people with autism. In 2023, he finished in 10:11:01 hours. Now he is heading for the finish line again – with a clear mission in his heart.
A fighter with burnt skin
Philipp Bosshard survived a serious accident at work in 2014 in which he lost 88% of his skin. After a coma, intensive care and a long rehabilitation, he still stood at the starting line in Roth in 2024 – and finished in 12:09:08. Despite missing sweat glands and sensitivity to heat, he will also be competing in 2025 – with start number 74.
Familiar faces – big names on a new mission
Hockey legend back on the track
Zdeno Chára, 2.06 metres tall, NHL icon, and since last week, a new member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, is coming back to Roth. The Stanley Cup champion already proved in 2024 that he has endurance not only on the ice: 10:20:53 hours was his impressive time in Roth. In 2025, keep your eyes on start number 333.
‘Road to Roth’ for fitness star Julia Schuler
Julia Schuler is one of Germany's best-known fitness personalities. What was still missing? A long-distance triathlon! On 6 July, this time will come. Her fans can follow her live via the DATEV Challenge Roth app – from the canal to the finish stadium.
World-class relay power
Leonie Beck's CV is impressive: three-time world champion in open water swimming, three-time European champion, three-time Olympian. Now she is also competing in the relay. In 2024, she was awarded the Bavarian Order of Merit for her services to sport. She is swimming in a relay team alongside Ironman age group world record holder Lars Wichert and ultra-runner Max Rahm.
Ex-pro on new paths
Rick Zabel, former professional cyclist and son of German cycling legend Erik Zabel, actually wanted to compete as an individual starter. But an injury made the marathon impossible. Instead, he will compete3 as the swimmer and cyclist in the relay – bringing Tour de France flair to triathlon country.
All good things come in twos?
Pop singer Tim Bendzko announced last year in the packed finish stadium in Roth that he would definitely return. And he is keeping his word. Tim Bendzko will tackle the marathon again and is eagerly looking forward to 6 July. He has proven himself to be a sports ace many times in the past. The passionate runner has already finished the Berlin Marathon, among other races. Last year, he had to walk most of the course due to injury.
Christian Krömer – from bestselling author to long-distance finisher
He thrilled millions with his grandmother Lissi, and last year he thrilled supporters in Roth by finishing in under 11 hours (10:59:12). In 2025, Christian Krömer wants to soak up the emotions of Roth again as a relay runner.
The triathlon world focuses on Roth
On 6 July 2025, thousands of dreams will come true again – supported by 7,500 volunteers and celebrated by hundreds of thousands of fans along the course. The race will be broadcast in full on BR television and streamed worldwide.