Founded in 2002, Challenge Family set out to create an athlete-focused and community-driven racing alternative. Over the past two decades, it has grown into a global movement with 35 races in 27 countries, celebrating triathlon through world-class organization, iconic courses, and a festival atmosphere. Designed to engage spectators, Challenge events feature live music, youth races, and vibrant finish line celebrations, building a reputation for unforgettable experiences for both professional and age group athletes.
For most triathletes, the Challenge Family name is synonymous with DATEV Challenge Roth, the series flagship and one of the most iconic races in the sport. Roth is legendary for good reason. With a course that features a swim in the Main Danube Canal, a bike leg through Bavaria’s scenic countryside, and the unforgettable crowds on Solar Hill, it is more than a race. It is a pilgrimage for triathletes. The atmosphere is electric and emotional, and the energy on course matches the frenzy of registration. In 2025, the event sold out in a matter of minutes. For 2026, registration closed in under 30 seconds.
The passion behind Roth comes from the Walchshofer family. Alice and her children Felix and Kathrin drive the event forward with an unwavering commitment to athletes and community. Legendary triathlon voice Bob Babbitt posted on Instagram that, in his opinion, the two most important triathlons in the world are the Ironman World Championship and Challenge Roth. Seeing leaders from both events together, he said, reminded him that the sport thrives when everyone works together to grow triathlon.
As for the brand’s presence in Canada, Canadian triathletes may recall Challenge Penticton, which from 2013 to 2017 was the only Challenge-branded race on the continent. Hosted in British Columbia’s Okanagan region, it carried on the legacy of one of Canada’s most historic triathlon venues while introducing the Challenge Family experience to North America.
The Challenge Family brand then returned to Canada in 2024 with the launch of SAIL Challenge Quebec – a brand new race in the province. Shortly thereafter, Challenge joined forces with a long-standing event in Montreal to create SAIL Challenge Esprit Montreal. Building on the legacy of one of the country’s most historic races, the 2025 edition of SAIL Challenge Esprit Montreal will mark the 41st anniversary of this triathlon event, taking place from September 5th to 7th. As part of the celebrations, 10 coveted entries to DATEV Challenge Roth will be awarded through the Canadian Roth Lottery to participants racing in Montreal.
And Challenge’s presence in Canada will continue to grow. In June 2026, Challenge Quebec will expand to include the full distance for the first time – a collaboration with DATEV Challenge Roth that marks Quebec City’s debut as a long-distance host, right in the heart of downtown. This milestone positions Challenge Quebec as an emerging and prestigious full-distance event in Canada.
In the official announcement, Executive Producer Dominique Piche said: “Bringing long distance triathlon…to Quebec alongside a partner as iconic as Challenge Roth is a dream come true. Sail Challenge Quebec… is entering a new phase, with a clear ambition: to deliver an experience on par with the world’s greatest races.”
Felix Walchshofer, CEO of DATEV Challenge Roth, echoed that vision: “We are thrilled to see Challenge Family bring long distance triathlon to the doorstep of North American athletes with Sail Challenge Quebec… We aim to build a bridge between this exciting new race and our legendary event in Roth.”
For Canadian triathletes, Challenge Family offers more than a finish line. It offers world-class organization, iconic venues, a welcoming culture, and the opportunity to be part of something larger than sport.
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