“Brought the Region to the World” – Felix Walchshöfer Receives the Metropolitan Region Nuremberg Network Award
Recognition for Outstanding Contributions / Award Presented Under the Motto “Together We Are Strong”
A great honor for the race director of the DATEV Challenge Roth – Felix Walchshöfer has been awarded the 2025 Network Award of the Metropolitan Region Nuremberg. He was recognized for his extraordinary contributions to triathlon in Roth. The award was presented on January 20th during the New Year’s Reception at the Nuremberg Entrepreneurs’ Congress.
It’s Only Possible Together
“I am incredibly proud to receive this year’s Network Award on behalf of the entire triathlon district,” said Felix Walchshöfer. “The award demonstrates that triathlon holds a value that goes far beyond sports and is the highlight of the year for so many people,” he explained, adding, “The motto of the Network Award perfectly captures the essence: it’s only possible together. I want to thank everyone who makes the DATEV Challenge Roth a great success year after year. This is where dreams come true.”
Recognition for Outstanding Dedication
Sabine Michel, organizer of the Nuremberg Entrepreneurs’ Congress and New Year’s Reception, praised Walchshöfer in her speech: “I am amazed and grateful every year that we have so many people and organizations committed to our region.” Jury member Johannes Hofmann of VR Bank Nuremberg emphasized that it is thanks to Felix Walchshöfer, his team, and all the volunteers that “thousands of dreams are fulfilled in Roth every year.”
The awardee is also celebrated in the new magazine of the Nuremberg Entrepreneurs’ Congress with the words: “Walchshöfer has brought the Metropolitan Region Nuremberg to the world – and the world to Roth.”
At just 24 years old, Felix Walchshöfer took on the responsibility for the DATEV Challenge Roth without much experience or an extensive network. Through tireless effort, passionate commitment, and hard work, he transformed the event into one of the largest and most popular triathlon events in the world. The race has been named “Race of the Year” 13 times in a row. Despite its global recognition, Walchshöfer has always stayed true to his Franconian roots. Together with thousands of volunteers, dedicated staff, loyal partners, and sponsors, his team creates an unforgettable experience each year for 3,500 individual participants and 700 relay teams.
The Network Award: “Together We Are Strong”
Since 2014, the Network Award has been presented annually to individuals or institutions that have made significant contributions to the sustainable development and promotion of the Metropolitan Region Nuremberg.
This year’s jury included representatives from VR Bank, Schaffer & Partner, Goldbeck, Nürnberger Wach- und Schließgesellschaft, and Unternehmer ORANGE. Approximately 900 guests gathered on January 20, 2025, at NCC Ost at the Nuremberg Exhibition Center to attend inspiring lectures, panel discussions on current topics, and network with other attendees.
Die Jury und Partner des Nürnberger Unternehmer-Kongresses v.l.n.r: Peter Ottmann (CEO der NürnbergMesse), Johannes Hofmann (Stellvertretender Vorstandsvorsitzender der VR Bank Metropolregion Nürnberg eG), Marcus König (OB der Stadt Nürnberg), Felix Walchshöfer, Sabine Michel (Veranstalterin), Dr. Werner Conrad (Vorsitzender des Verwaltungsrates bei Conrad Electronic SE), Dr. Armin Zitzmann (Präsident der IHK Nürnberg für Mittelfranken), Ringo Haritz (Niederlassungsleiter Goldbeck), Florian Zachmayer (CFO der Nürnberger Wach- und Schließgesellschaft mbH), Dr. Horst Schaffer (Gründungsgesellschafter Schaffer & Partner mbB)