As speculation builds around what could become the fastest race in history, Kat Matthews is keeping expectations in check. Not because the newly announced addition to Challenge Roth 2026 isn’t aiming for speed, but because for her, finishing times are secondary to one simple goal: winning.
Matthews was officially announced today as part of the women’s field for Challenge Roth 2026, ensuring the race will feature one of the fastest athletes in the sport. Whether the world record set by Anne Haug – 8:02:38 at Challenge Roth 2024 – will fall remains to be seen. For Matthews, however, that’s not the primary focus.
“The buzz around Roth is like no other race”, Matthews said. “I’m really excited to experience all this first hand.”
The 34-year-old Brit has long had Roth on her bucket list. “I’ve always wanted to race Roth, every athlete does, but what I really want is to win Roth. Records and splits are nice, but crossing the line first is what matters to me.”
Matthews has already come close to the fastest time in history. With a personal best of 8:05:13, she stands among the fastest women ever over the distance – with only Anne Haug and Laura Philipp having gone faster.
