Challenge Israman 2025 in Eilat delivered an unforgettable event, packed with drama, record-breaking performances, and thrilling racing. From the scorching Middle Distance competition to the gruelling Long Distance showdown, athletes pushed their limits in one of the toughest triathlons on the circuit.
Marcel Bolbat Smashes Course Record in the Middle Distance
German triathlete Marcel Bolbat defended his title in the Half Challenge Israman (113 km) with a staggering course record of 4:13:41 hours, improving his own mark from last year by 8 minutes and 30 seconds.
The race kicked off with a 1.9 km swim in the Red Sea, followed by a 90 km bike ride through the Eilat mountains, and ended with a 21.1 km run, descending from Netafim to the coastal promenade. After the swim, Michele Sarzilla (Italy) and Itamar Eshad led the pack, with Bolbat emerging slightly behind in 24:13 minutes.
The German made his move on the bike, overtaking competitors and clocking 2:33:52 hours for the segment. Entering the run over three minutes faster than last year, he maintained his relentless pace, running a 1:12:02 half marathon to clinch victory.
Eshad finished second in 4:17:54 hours, setting a new Israeli course record, while Wojciech Kopczynski (Poland) completed the podium in 4:20:40 hours—all three breaking the previous course record. Young Israeli Almog Elazari impressed with a fourth-place finish in 4:23:49 hours, ahead of the decorated Michele Sarzilla (4:28:32 hours).
Sofia Korzunina Triumphs in the Women’s Middle Distance
In the women’s race, Sofia Korzunina delivered a masterclass in strategy and endurance to claim her first Challenge Israman victory, finishing in 5:23:35 hours.
The 34-year-old, who placed second in the full distance last year, focused on sprint and Olympic distances in 2024 – an approach that paid off in speed and efficiency. She led out of the swim (32:49 minutes), with a tightly packed group of Hadar Shahar, Aya Avigad, Inbar Zahavi, and Hadas Mazar all within nine seconds.
Mazar took control on the bike, reaching T2 first with a 3:55:52-hour split, with Zahavi and Korzunina trailing. However, Korzunina’s superior running proved decisive as she surged past both to take the lead, never looking back.
Mazar finished second in 5:28:28 hours, improving her time from last year, while Zahavi secured another third-place finish, repeating her result from 2024.
Dan Alterman and Antonina Reznikov Crowned Long Distance Champions
Veteran triathlete Dan Alterman once again proved his dominance, winning the Challenge Israman Long Distance and claiming the title of Israeli Champion with a time of 9:49:28 hours.
The 3.8 km swim, 180 km bike ride, and 42.2 km marathon tested the competitors to their limits. Former elite swimmer Eitan Yudashkin was first out of the water in 54:02 minutes, followed by Emil Shakhkeldian, with Alterman 2:08 minutes behind.
On the bike, Alterman paced himself wisely, riding a 5:44-hour split and resisting the temptation to push too hard. Yudashkin reached T2 slightly ahead, while Shakhladyan faded due to fatigue.
Once on the run, Alterman made his move, overtaking Yudashkin early in the marathon. Though Yudashkin tried to keep pace, the reigning champion steadily pulled away, finishing his marathon in 3:02 hours to seal his fifth Challenge Israman victory and his sixth national title.
An emotional Yudashkin, making his debut on the course, finished second in 9:54:53 hours. Assaf Porat completed the podium in 10:18:33 hours, edging out Or Spizman in a tight battle.
At the Women’s long distance – local legend Antonina Reznikov extended her dominance in Eilat, winning her seventh Challenge Israman title and reclaiming her status as Israeli Champion with a time of 10:47:11 hours.
The experienced Reznikov once again showcased her strength across all three disciplines, demonstrating why she remains the queen of long-distance triathlon in Israel.