April Events: Full Gas Across Every XTERRA Series

There’s been a lot of excitement building around XTERRA Australia and the wait is almost over.  

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Kicking off the month of April, the hundreds of athletes down under and those making the trip from near and far will finally get to see just how good Dunsborough really is as the new location of the returning XTERRA Australia. And rest assured, it’s going to be a good one. 

The full-distance course itself is designed for participants and spectators alike, with athletes staying almost within earshot of cheering fans throughout the swim section before heading out on the bike for 28.5K's of hard-earned fun in the form of berms, jumps, and fast flats. Expect the cheers to end as loud as they began as the race ends in a run section that will allow those with speed on the feet and gas left in the tank to open up and finish strong in the final stretch. 

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At stake will be the US$7,500 prize purse as well as the 28 slots to the XTERRA World Championship in Italy.

But it won’t just be the full-distance triathletes having all the fun on the trails. Kids under 9 are encouraged to get involved in the Groms Race for their first taste of XTERRA, and youngsters up to 14 can get in on the action in the Kids Triathlon. There is also a Short Distance Triathlon (750m swim, 15.5K bike, 5.9K run) and an Aquathon (1K swim, 5K run) to round out a full weekend of off-road adventure on the western shore of Australia. 

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There are many things to love about the second stop on the 2023 XTERRA Americas Tour in San Juan, Argentina. The dollar is strong, weather is warm, wine is world-class, and the natural topography is both fascinating to experience and fun to run and ride on.

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Jose B. Arancibia, the event organizer from Argentina Tri Events, hosts a three-day endurance sports festival where both local and international athletes can partake in a myriad of events - from open water swims and mountain bike races to kayak triathlons and trail runs.

The main event, an XTERRA Worlds qualifier, features a 1500-meter swim in Lake Ullum with spectacular views of the magnificent Andes Mountains in the distance, followed by a hilly 30km mountain bike with lots of banked corners and “whoopty-woos” and a tough 10km trail run. 

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“The mountain bike is like a roller coaster ride and is a favorite for the athletes,” said Arancibia.

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The culture and vibe of the event is also celebrated by athletes and their families, who annually marvel at the friendly people, delicious food, and positive energy surrounding race weekend.

New this year, the half-marathon is offering up 116 qualifying spots into the invite-only XTERRA Trail Run World Championship, one of just three events in South America where runners can punch their ticket to the “Maine Event”.

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Completing the last of the three regional tour stops all on the same weekend, the XTERRA EMEA tour touches down on the beautiful Mediterranean island of Malta. 

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The traditional season opener (before the addition of XTERRA South Africa and XTERRA Oman) offers athletes an early season opportunity for some sunshine, but more importantly some racing! With coveted XTERRA World championship slots on offer there'll be plenty of athletes using Malta as a springboard to a successful season. 

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Using the sandy beach of Golden Bay as a central hub, the sea swim could easily claim to be one of the nicest loops on on the EMEA Tour, combining a wetsuit friendly but comfortably warm temperature with glass like clear waters offering the chance to spot one of the many species of fish that can be found around the island. 

Once onto the bike, be sure to take a minute away from navigating the many rocks on course to take in the cliff top views as you descend down towards Popeye village - originally built as a film set but now welcomes visitors to enjoy its theme park style village and boat rides. 

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The run is simply stunning, leaving you breathless not only because of the gradient but also because of the continuous coastline views. 

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XTERRA Malta is not only a race but also an opportunity to experience Maltese culture and enjoy the island's beautiful natural surroundings. Participants and spectators alike can enjoy the hospitality of the Maltese people and take in the island's unique blend of Mediterranean and North African culture.

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After 2 years away, the APAC Championship returns with a massive bang in the form of a triple-feature event that will see some of the highest levels of off-road racing to ever reach the tropical shores of Taiwan. 

The full-distance triathlon will not only crown the age group champions of the APAC region, but leading the race will be a deep field of local and international elites as the XTERRA World Cup makes its official debut. Both reigning XTERRA champions, Arthur Serrieres and Solenne Billouin, will be on the start line along with the majority of the top ranked XTERRA racers, setting the pace for an epic race through Kenting National Park. 

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The full-distance race will be live streamed on xterraplanet.com, so for those not on the trails, be sure to tune in to see the best in Asia-Pacific and the World take on one of the most beautiful yet brutal courses in the APAC region. 

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Saturday will also see the 29K MTB XC event, where all eyes will certainly be on the current Asia-Pacific downhill champion Dan Chiang. 

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And if that wasn’t enough, Sunday promises yet another huge day of racing as the first-ever APAC Trail Run Championship plays out on the rolling hills, rocky paths, and technical forest trails of the Kenting mountains, where leg-busting climbs are mixed in with unbroken and unparalleled ocean views. 

The full-marathon and half-marathon distances will see the fastest in each age group crowned as the first ever Asia-Pacific Trail Run Champions, with 116 slots in each distance up for grabs to the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship in Maine, USA. 

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The XTERRA Trail des Balcons d’Azur is quickly making its way onto the bucket list of trail runners around the world, offering a challenging run that weaves along the undulating trails of southern France where the blue Mediterranean Sea meets the famous red rock formations of the Estérel regional Park.

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Those lucky enough to have claimed one of the limited entries will be treated to endless views of the French Riviera in the 23K, 45K and 70K distances, with aid stations at regular intervals and plenty of post-race refreshments to refuel. The atmosphere will be electric, with live music and cheering spectators creating an unforgettable experience for runners and spectators alike.

The fastest athletes will be competing for qualification to the XTERRA Trail Run World championships, but everyone can expect a quality day out sandwiched between the blue waters and  red rocks of the Cote D’azur.

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Discover the heart and soul of the Caribbean at XTERRA Puerto Rico in Fajardo.

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Of all the bucket list races on the XTERRA World Tour, this one stands out for its authentic island style atmosphere and the pure passion of race organizer David Velez to bring XTERRA back to “the island of enchantment.”

It’s a big event as the first elite race of the season in the Americas - offering $7,500 in prize money to professionals - as well as XTERRA World Championship triathlon slots to the age group winners in each division and 116 slots to the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship for half-marathon participants.

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Located on the easternmost part of the island, deemed the water sports hub, the Fajardo triathlon and trail run courses offer pure adventure with calm, turquoise waters at Seven Seas beach for the swim and true cross country trails through tropical jungles for the bike and run segments.

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The excursions available before and after the race are also noteworthy, with jaunts to hidden beaches, waterfalls, hikes to secluded natural pools, and even bioluminescent bays! And if you like seafood, you don’t have to go anywhere but the next kiosk to find yourself in cuisine heaven.

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XTERRA Greece has been a mainstay of the EMEA Tour ever since it debuted in 2013, with athletes coming back for good times, again and again, year after year. 

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The event takes place in Vouliagmeni, a picturesque seaside town located in the southern suburbs of Athens, Greece. The area is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and stunning natural beauty, alongside a bustling social environment, with an abundance of cafes, restaurants and bars making it the perfect location for combining a city break and an off-road triathlon.

The full-distance race consists of a 1.5K swim in the open waters of the Aegean Sea, followed by a challenging 30K mountain bike ride through rugged terrain, and finally, a 10K trail run. Athletes will be pushed to their limits as they navigate the demanding course, which includes steep inclines, technical descents, and rocky terrain.

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Every year XTERRA Greece attracts top athletes from around the world who compete for the €7,500 prize purse, coveted ranking points and World Championship slots. In addition to the main event, there will also be a variety of other races and activities for participants and spectators to enjoy, including a kids' triathlon, a beach yoga session, and a post-race party.

Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a casual observer, XTERRA Greece is an event not to be missed. With its breathtaking location and challenging course, it promises to be an unforgettable experience for all involved.

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“Keep Austin Weird!” are words to live by for those both from and far-from home in the capital city of the U.S. state of Texas.

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The place is famous for being … out there, and awesome, and everything in-between, and the XTERRA ATX weekend fits right in.

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Pace Bend Park, which is about 40 minutes outside downtown Austin, is in the middle of Texas Hill Country on Lake Travis. It’s got steep bluffs, limestone ledges, challenging rock gardens, tough climbs, technical drop-offs, and lots of fast, flowing trails in between.

It’s the first of three races in Texas and a family reunion of sorts for the loyal base of racers built and nourished by Joel Grimmet, the long-time local organizer.

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Of note, the new XTERRA Americas Tour rules, which requires athletes to start at least three events to qualify for end of season honors, puts the Texas crew in prime position to get several of its series stars in the running for tour titles (looking at you Andy Lee and Kyle Grieser).

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There’s also 116 slots to XTERRA Trail Run Worlds on offer in Sunday’s half-marathon, with can’t miss bbq and beer on tap waiting for worthy recipients at the finish line.

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The second stop of the XTERRA Wellington Trail Run & Walk series heads to the spiritual home of the series, where it was first held all the way back in 2008.

Promising a run or walk that you’ll not soon forget, the event takes place in the Remutaka Forest Park with incredible native bush tracks and fantastic ridgeline views back across Wellington harbour.

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Known for being one of the most welcoming and inclusive trail runs on the circuit, the event includes a 20K, 12K, and a 7K to ensure everybody can get in on the action.