After two editions that turned Western Australia’s South West into a meeting point for the region’s off-road community, the XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship will return to Dunsborough for a third consecutive year on April 3-4, 2027.
Asia-Pacific’s biggest XTERRA weekend returns to the turquoise waters of Geographe Bay and the sweeping singletrack of Meelup Regional Park. The packed schedule will crown regional champions in trail running, youth racing and off-road triathlon, while also creating a cultural and festive hub with community activities, shorter-distance events and kids’ races throughout the weekend.
Deep Connections
“After what Dunsborough delivered in 2025 and again in 2026, coming back was the natural decision,” said Landry Benoit, XTERRA Asia-Pacific Technical Director. “People want another morning in Geographe Bay, another lap through Meelup and another week with the friends they have made here. For everyone who has followed it from afar, 2027 is your chance to finally come and experience what the rest of us have been enjoying for the past two years.”
“The success of this event comes from an outstanding partnership. Rapid Ascent Adventure Event Management and the Dunsborough Country Club have built something that athletes care deeply about, with the continued support of the Government of Western Australia and the City of Busselton.”
A Classic Triple Play
Dunsborough’s path to a third Asia-Pacific Championship began long before the first regional titles were awarded there. Rapid Ascent launched the Dunsborough X-Adventure in 2013, building a course around the calm water of Geographe Bay, the flower-lined mountain bike trails of Meelup Regional Park and a coastal run across sand, granite and exposed headlands. The event joined XTERRA in 2023 before becoming the home of the Asia-Pacific Championship in 2025.
This is a unique regional XTERRA championship to place the Asia-Pacific Championship, Asia-Pacific Trail Run Championship, Asia-Pacific Youth Championship and the XTERRA World Cup inside one festival. Athletes of every generation share the same event village, from the world’s leading elites to children taking their first steps into off-road sport.
Rapid Ascent General Manager Sam Maffett, confirms what Dunsborough can offer. “Athletes from all over the world have arrived in Dunsborough, and it has been a thrill to showcase our spectacular course and friendly race community,” said Maffett. “Dunsborough is a world-class race destination.”
City of Busselton Mayor Phill Cronin added, “The natural beauty of our region, combined with the warm, welcoming community, makes it an unforgettable destination for athletes and spectators alike.”
Community Feedback
The championship begins before the first start, with community runs and rides, shared swims, open course sessions, athlete talks, kids’ entertainment and ceremonies. Australian athlete and Dunsborough local Kristen Gardner has watched the event grow around her hometown.
“At the race village, there’s always something happening, from race commentary to vendors and food trucks. You see kids, parents, professional athletes, and groups of friends all out there having a go. And you’re never alone on the course. Kangaroos live right there, so you’ll be riding and running alongside them. It doesn’t get more Aussie than that!”
New Zealand age-group athlete Anna Craig added, “What I love is that it brings together people from all across the region.”
Australian age-group athlete Dean MacGregor said, “You make friends over the years doing these races, so it’s a bit of a reunion too.”
Remembering Why
Beaches sit within minutes of the trails, while local cafés, breweries, wineries and gathering places give athletes and their families plenty of reasons to stay beyond the competition. The coastline lies within Country cared for by the Noongar People, the Traditional Custodians of the South West, whose continuing connection to Boodja, the land and environment, remains central to the identity and care of the region.
Italy’s Marta Menditto, who opened her 2026 XTERRA World Cup title defence with victory in Dunsborough, found the simplest description. “It’s really a dreamy place, beautiful and relaxed.”
Busselton trail runner Meluka Bancroft sees the area from both the local and athlete perspective. “Running at the XTERRA race is really exciting. I know Bunker Bay and Eagle Bay really well from walking along the beach, so it feels special to run them during a race. It’s easy to stay there for the race and spend time around the area. Another thing that stands out is how good it is for spectators. There are lots of opportunities for people to watch along the course, especially around the different beaches.”
For those who were there in 2025 and 2026, the third edition is another chance to return to familiar trails and familiar faces. For those who have watched the photos, heard the stories or considered making the journey, 2027 is the invitation to finally be part of it.
Visit the XTERRA Asia-Pacific Event Page for the schedule of events and registration information.
