XTERRA World Championship

We are currently finalizing the schedule for these activities. We will publish more details soon. If you have any questions, please reach out to info@xterraplanet.com

How to I qualify for the XTERRA World Championship?

Athletes looking for full information about qualifying for the XTERRA World Championship can visit https://www.xterraplanet.com/race-rules/xterra-world-championship-qualification.

What is the refund, cancellation, and referral policies?

Athletes in the full triathlon may request a partial refund of US$110 with written notice to info@xterraplanet.com on or before August 31, 2026.

No refunds on or after September 1, 2026.

Medical conditions, pregnancy, or military assignments may be considered, but are not guaranteed. To request a deferral, email info@xterraplanet.com with your name, event name, and reason for the request. Include supporting documentation such as a doctor’s note confirming the injury, illness, or pregnancy and recommending you not race, or official military orders.

Please note that the partial refund available does not apply to athletes who deferred from a previous year, those are nonrefundable.

Where will the event take place?

All the race excitement will kickoff at Grindstone Lake Park with the event celebration finishing at Wingfield Park.

Do I need a triathlon license to compete?

All multi-sport athletes during the XTERRA World Championship weekend will be required to have a USA Triathlon license in order to race. If an athlete does not already have a USAT year-long membership, during the registration flow, athletes will be given the opportunity to purchase a one-event license (Bronze Membership). The Bronze Membership allows athletes to race in a single USA Triathlon Sanctioned Event without an annual membership. Your Bronze membership also provides you with athlete participant accident medical coverage during the event. Bronze Memberships are purchased for a specific race, non-refundable and are not sold directly through USA Triathlon. Planning to race more than one distance at the event? Just grab the Bronze Membership for the longest race - you'll be covered for all the shorter ones too. More information about USAT Memberships can be found at https://www.usatriathlon.org/membership.

Can I request an Invitation Letter for my U.S. visa application?

Congratulations on qualifying for the XTERRA World Championship! If you require an official invitation letter to support your visa application, we’ll be happy to provide one. Please send the following details to worlds@xterraplanet.com

Full Name (as shown on your passport)
Date of Birth
Role (Athlete / Support Crew / Family Member)
Passport Number
Passport Issuing Country
Date of Issue
Date of Expiration

Once received, our team will prepare your invitation letter promptly. If you have any questions or additional requests, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

How can I plan for my trip to Ruidoso?

Discover all that incredible Ruidoso village has to offer at https://www.discoverruidoso.com/.

A true mix of nature, wildlife, and a vibrant local scene with trails, shops, restaurants, live music venues, wine bars, brewpubs, and attractions open and eager to welcome you.

Check out some of the things Ruidoso has to offer at https://youtu.be/2SKgFbwPcbw .

What is the best way to travel there?

Ruidoso is located in southern New Mexico, between Alamogordo and Roswell. The nearest airport with commercial air service is in Roswell, with International airports in Albuquerque (ABQ) and El Paso (ELP), each about 150 miles away.

For more information, visit https://www.discoverruidoso.com/info/getting-to-ruidoso.

What’s interesting about the Ruidoso trails?

Check out some of the amazing trails athletes can explore in Ruidoso.

https://youtu.be/vuMhms18734?si=8n7t0IKza6qjkIxH

How do I manage existing registration?

If you need to make any changes or additions to your existing registration, please visit https://myevents.active.com/XTERRA.

What will the water temperature be?

While we can’t say for certain, historic data measured the water temperature at 63-64°F (17-18°C) on the same weekend in 2025.

We will be following the wetsuit rules as outlined by USAT, which can be found at https://www.usatriathlon.org/multisport/rules.

How can people volunteer?

Join us and be part of a fantastic international event weekend with some of the best athletes from all over the world swimming, biking, and running right in Ruidoso. We are looking for groups or individuals to serve as course marshals and sweeps, help with timing, and hand out recovery at aid stations.

Volunteers will get an event t-shirt, food, and the undying gratitude of the XTERRA family. Please email americas@xterraplanet.com if you or your group are interested in a fun day on the trails.

We hope to see you there!

Parking / Shuttle Services

XTERRA Ruidoso – Parking & Shuttle Plan

Wingfield Park Parking

Opens: 6:00 AM each day
Location: There are two main public parking lots located at the Northeast and Northwest corners of Wingfield Park.
Signage:
- Look for the signs that say “Public Parking”.
- XTERRA-branded parking signs will be posted at each lot entrance.
This is ideal for spectators and athletes accessing Start/Finish area activities at Wingfield Park.

Grindstone Lake – Disc Golf Course Parking Lot

Open: Thursday – Saturday, beginning at 6:00 AM each day.
Location: Below Grindstone Lake, in the Disc Golf Course parking lot.
Signage & Flags:
- Large XTERRA parking signs/flags at lot entrance.
Staffing: Managed by the Ruidoso Parking Team for efficient vehicle placement on Saturday only.
Recommended Use:
- Thursday & Friday: Convenient for pre-riding the race course.
- Saturday: Athlete, Spectator, and Overflow Parking for the swim and transition areas.
Access to Lake: The lot is within walking distance—follow the marked trail to Grindstone Lake.

Handicap / Accessible Parking

Available at both Wingfield Park and Grindstone Lake.
Clearly marked with handicap signage and located close to venue access points.

Shuttle Service – Saturday Only

Hours: To be announced soon.
Cost: Free to all athletes, spectators, and volunteers
Shuttle Pick-Up & Drop-Off Points - Identified by bright yellow XTERRA Shuttle Flags.
- Wingfield Park: Pick-up on the Northwest corner of the park.
- Grindstone Lake
- Grindstone Lake – Disc Golf Course Parking Lot
Fleet: Two shuttles operating on a continuous loop to minimize wait times.

Pro Tips for Parking & Shuttles

Arrive early to secure your preferred parking location.
Follow all XTERRA parking signage and staff instructions for smooth traffic flow.
If you’re pre-riding or need longer-term parking, Grindstone Lake Disc Golf Lot is your best choice. NO CAMPING ALLOWED.
Please allow extra time if you’re taking the shuttle—particularly before the race start.

Emergency Information

The emergency number to call in the USA is 9-1-1.

Those wanting to stay up-to-date with any weather or emergency situations in the Village of Ruidoso, can find information about downloading their app at https://www.discoverruidoso.com/ruidoso-mobile-travel-app.

Where can I rent a bike?

You can check out and contact this local bike shop directly regarding rentals:

Board House and Bike Shop
https://share.google/2QQa1JEsTqjauks4w

XTERRA is working to add more options for athletes, please stand by for more information soon.

When is the Welcome Dinner and Awards Ceremony?