Challenge Samarkand

British professional triathlete Jack Hutchens makes his debut at Challenge Samarkand.

Jack’s journey to the top began back in 2024: a victory at Challenge Vieux Boucau, followed by podium finishes at Challenge Peguera Mallorca and Challenge Barcelona, showcased his growing potential. This progress hasn’t slowed down – in 2026, Jack climbed to 2nd place on the podium at Challenge Salou, proving he’s steadily moving toward top-level results.

Now it’s time for the Silk Road. Jack arrives in Samarkand not just to test himself on a new course, but to fight for a podium finish on the Asian stage.

The men’s PRO race is getting serious.

Welcome, Xush kelibsiz!

The Challenge Samarkand women’s run – energy, smiles, and support every step of the way

Austrian professional triathlete Anna Pabinger makes her debut at Challenge Samarkand.

2025 was a truly successful year for Anna: victories at Ironman Chattanooga and Austria Triathlon Half confirmed her high level on the international stage. In 2026, she continued to show consistent results, finishing 2nd at Apfelland Triathlon. A PTO ranking of 64 confirms her status as one of the strongest athletes in world triathlon.

Now Anna is ready to test herself on new terrain – in the women’s PRO category at Challenge Samarkand.

Welcome, Xush kelibsiz!

Your chance to become part of CHALLENGE ROTH! 🔥

Challenge Samarkand participants will have a unique opportunity to win a slot for one of the world’s most famous and prestigious triathlon races - DATEV CHALLENGE ROTH 2027!
During the Challenge Samarkand race weekend, 10 slots will be awarded among participating athletes. Ten winners will have the opportunity to register for the legendary CHALLENGE ROTH, line up alongside some of the strongest athletes from around the world, and become part of an event that brings together thousands of participants and spectators every year.

CHALLENGE ROTH is more than just a race. It has an iconic atmosphere, incredible spectator support, a legendary course, and a finish line that stays in every athlete’s memory forever. Challenge Samarkand could be the beginning of your journey to this extraordinary start line.

How can you enter the draw?
During race pack collection, you will need to:
- complete the main registration process and collect your Challenge Samarkand race pack;
- visit the dedicated Roth slot draw registration area;
- confirm your intention to participate in DATEV CHALLENGE ROTH 2027;
- review and accept the terms and conditions of the draw.

The draw will take place during the Awards Ceremony. Winners must confirm acceptance of their slot on-site and pay for the slot. If a selected athlete is unable or unwilling to accept the opportunity, the slot will be drawn again.

10 slots. 10 winners. One journey to a legendary finish line.
This is your road to CHALLENGE ROTH with CHALLENGE SAMARKAND!

We look forward to seeing you!

British professional triathlete Will Draper returns to Challenge Samarkand – a course where he has already claimed the top step of the podium.

In 2025, Will won the men’s PRO category in Samarkand, following it up with another victory at Challenge Almere. He confirmed this impressive level in 2026 as well: a win at Challenge Salou and 3rd place at the prestigious Challenge «The Championship» in Samorin. A PTO ranking of 24 speaks for itself – Will is among the strongest triathletes in the world.

Now the reigning champion returns to defend his title.

Welcome, Xush kelibsiz!

🔥 Only 40 days left until the start of Challenge Samarkand 2026!

The countdown has begun – time to finalize your preparation and get ready for the biggest race of the season.

Are you ready? 💪

Finnish professional triathlete Minttu Hukka makes her debut at Challenge Samarkand.

In 2026, Minttu demonstrated a consistently strong level on the international stage: 3rd place at Challenge St. Pölten and 5th place at Ironman 70.3 Dallas. A PTO ranking of 92 confirms her status as one of the strongest athletes in world triathlon.

Now Minttu is ready to test herself on new terrain – in the women’s PRO category at Challenge Samarkand.

Welcome, Xush kelibsiz!

Sprint course
750m swim | 19km bike | 5km run
Fast course where you can definitely set a new personal best

A new take on your favorite photos

Sam Laidlow, the current long-distance world record holder, has confirmed his participation at Challenge Samarkand on September 13, 2026 – making this race his final start before the World Championships in Kona.

The 27-year-old Frenchman arrives in Samarkand following an historic performance at DATEV Challenge Roth, where he defended his title and set a new long-distance world record of 7:21:04. Sam’s list of achievements also includes victories at Ironman 70.3 Valencia and Ironman Lanzarote in 2026, confirming his exceptional level on the international stage.

“Challenge Samarkand marks my final stop before the World Championships. The course and conditions are exactly what I’m looking for in a final hit-out, and I’m excited to race somewhere completely new,” Sam shared.

The French professional triathlete makes his Samarkand debut – in the men’s PRO category on the middle distance course.

The men’s PRO race is getting serious!!!

Welcome, Xush kelibsiz!