The state of Victoria joins the XTERRA World Tour in 2027, with Anglesea hosting off-road triathlon, youth competition, trail running and a full weekend by the ocean.
XTERRA Anglesea will debut on February 13-14, 2027, bringing off-road triathlon and trail running to Victoria’s Surf Coast. The Full Distance Triathlon is a brand new World Championship qualifier for the Asia-Pacific region while XTERRA Youth Tour competition and the XTERRA Trail Run World Series are well represented. An inviting beachside event centre with expo entertainment will also welcome families and friends throughout the weekend.
Located on the Great Ocean Road southwest of Melbourne, Anglesea is an extended partnership with Rapid Ascent alongside the 2027 XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship in Dunsborough, Western Australia on April 3-4, 2027.
Why Anglesea
“We want people to discover XTERRA through places they want to explore and enjoy,” said J-D Cousens, XTERRA Vice President of Operations and Global Marketing. “Rapid Ascent has helped us do that in Dunsborough, and Anglesea gives us an opportunity to build on that in Victoria. It brings the international XTERRA Community to the Surf Coast while giving athletes around Melbourne and Geelong another event close to home.”
Rapid Ascent brings direct experience of the town through the Surf Coast Century, its 50K and 100K running event based in Anglesea, and the Anglesea round of its Trail Running Series. The new XTERRA weekend expands that local event experience, using the ocean and the mountain-bike trails as well as the running terrain.
“Events like this support local businesses, create jobs and highlight why Victoria is a leading destination for outdoor and adventure experiences,” said Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Natalie Suleyman. “Securing XTERRA Anglesea is a win for Victoria, attracting visitors to travel to and explore one of Australia’s most celebrated coastal region.”
“The appeal of Anglesea is how much you can do in and around one little coastal town,” said Sam Maffett, Rapid Ascent General Manager. “We’ve seen it through our Surf Coast Century ultra marathon, with runners and their families making a weekend of being here. XTERRA lets us build on that experience and bring the ocean and mountain-bike trails into the event as well. There’s a proper challenge for athletes and plenty for the people coming with them.”
Anglesea stands on Wadawurrung Country, with Indigenous history extending back thousands of years. The area was known as Kuarka Dorla, a name linked to mullet fishing, before later becoming a riverside camping and fishing settlement known as Swampy Creek. Its connection to water activities predates the Great Ocean Road.
The Landscape
Sunday’s Full Distance Triathlon begins with a 1.5K ocean swim off Anglesea Main Beach before taking on a 30K mountain-bike course through the Eumeralla trails. The bike leg is 90% singletrack with a 10K run through the heathland and hinterland before reaching the festivities that await once the challenge is complete.
“What stands out about Anglesea is how naturally everything fits together,” said Landry Benoit, XTERRA Asia-Pacific Technical Director. “You’ve got the ocean, the trails, the town and plenty of space to spend the weekend outside. It has all the ingredients for a wild XTERRA weekend in nature, surrounded by a warm community of people who love getting out and exploring it.”
“The event will showcase the natural beauty of the Great Ocean Road region to athletes and supporters from around the globe while strengthening Victoria’s reputation as a world-class sports destination,” said Gayle Tierney, Member for Western Victoria.
The Weekend
Saturday’s options provide shorter distances for all groups. Youth A athletes aged 14-15 can enter the Super Sprint, covering a 250M swim, 6.1K mountain bike and 2.3K run. Youth B athletes aged 16-17 and Juniors aged 18-19 can choose the Sprint Distance, with a 750M swim, 15K mountain bike and 5.3K run. Both races offer qualification opportunities for the XTERRA Youth World Championship.
Trail runners take their turn on Sunday, with the 21K Trail Half Marathon and 10K Trail Run starting at Coogoorah Park. Top age-group finishers can earn a place from the Trail Half Marathon to the 2027 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship in Gozo, Malta, on May 8. The 10K provides a shorter run through the Anglesea Heath for those joining the weekend to enjoy at their own pace.
The Event Centre and Expo will sit beside the Anglesea River and playground, with the finish line, food trucks and music keeping spectators close to the action. Between events, families can spend time at the beach or explore the river, with Visit Victoria’s Anglesea guide providing ideas for a longer stay.
Visit the XTERRA Anglesea event page for the full schedule, course details and entry information, and accommodation recommendations.