Asia-Pacific Championship week is back in Dunsborough, Western Australia. Friends from around the world gather to enjoy community course sessions and a weekend of celebrating off-road triathlon’s 30th year anniversary season. Shorter distances, trail runs with regional titles on the line, kids events and an incredible atmosphere makes it an outdoor hangout with plenty going on.
More than a decade has passed since Australia first hosted the XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship, when a growing appetite for off-road adventure created a meeting point for athletes across Asia and Oceania. Since 2014, it has moved through Malaysia, the Philippines, and Taiwan before returning Down Under.
The weekend has now grown into a four-part festival. The XTERRA Asia-Pacific Youth Championship adds a rising wave of young talent through the XTERRA Youth Tour. Meanwhile the start of the 2026 XTERRA World Cup shares the stage with the crowning of Asia-Pacific titles in off-road triathlon and trail running.
Southwest Australia Awaits
Dunsborough, in the City of Busselton, sits along Geographe Bay where clear water meets coastal bushland and the granite headlands of Meelup Regional Park. Trails run through forest and along the coastline, opening to small beaches and rocky outcrops.
Busselton Mayor Phill Cronin said, “The City is proud to host such a prestigious championship in our spectacular region,” adding that XTERRA continues to deliver “an all-action weekend of inclusive programs that cater for all ages and abilities,” and that it is inspiring to see “athletes of all levels come together to share in the challenge and camaraderie.”
The coastline sits within Country cared for by the Noongar People, Traditional Custodians of the South West, whose connection to Boodja — the land and environment — continues today.
“This place captures so much of what XTERRA is about: clear water, coastal trails, and a landscape that invites people to get outside,” said J-D Cousens, VP of Operations and Marketing, who also recognized Rapid Ascent as “the original creators of this event” and “exceptional stewards of it for many years.”
XTERRA World Cup Starts Here
The 2026 XTERRA World Cup is for the fans to follow the pros in seven unique locations across three continents. Athletes race for points with updates and standings on the XTERRA World Cup page.
Germany’s Scott Anderson says, “For me, it’s special to meet everyone again after not seeing them over the winter, so it’s almost like a little reunion.” Reigning World Cup champion, Italy’s Marta Menditto adds, “This is one of the best races someone can do, for the vibes, the scenery, and the course. It’s really a dreamy place, beautiful and relaxed.”
Global Technical Director and 2005 XTERRA World Champion Nico Lebrun says, “For many athletes arriving from colder places, you come here, get the sun, the warm water, the atmosphere, and it really gets you fired up for the year ahead.”
The 2026 XTERRA World Cup begins Saturday, March 28 at 07:00 (GMT+8).
This is Off-Road Triathlon
Age group athletes are the heart and soul of swimming, riding and running through off-road terrain in XTERRA’s 30-year existence and it all started with the Full Distance Triathlon.
The race begins with a 1.5K swim in Geographe Bay, followed by a 30.2K mountain bike through Meelup Regional Park, and a 10.5K trail run across coastal paths, sand, and rocky sections. Full course details and maps are available here.
New Zealand’s Anna Craig, the fastest women’s age group finisher in 2025, says, “What I love is that it brings together people from all across the region. Last year it was so cool to see the group that came down from Japan and the energy they brought with them. When you have success at home, the natural next step is wanting to test yourself against a wider group of people. This feels like that perfect step.”
For regional athletes, this is where Asia-Pacific titles are decided across each age group, with top finishers crowned 2026 champions. Strong finishes also qualify athletes for the XTERRA World Championship in Ruidoso, New Mexico, USA.
Start time is March 28 at 08:00 (GMT+8). For start lists, and results, visit the event page and for updates, follow XTERRA Asia-Pacific on Instagram.
Youth Takeover
The XTERRA Youth Tour returns to Dunsborough, with young athletes stepping into off-road triathlon through shorter distance formats built for challenge and discovery. The Asia-Pacific Youth Championship includes Youth A (14-15), Youth B (16-17), and Junior (18-19). Youth A race Super Sprint, while Youth B and Junior race Sprint.
Perth’s Tori Stancombe, in her third year on this course, says, “I remember the swim being very challenging, but I just kept pushing through it and into the mountain bike course which is really fun, so I just try to enjoy that part.”
Athletes from across the region are up for Asia-Pacific titles and with everyone eligible for qualification to the XTERRA Youth World Championship. Start Times on March 28 include the Sprint (Youth B and Junior) at 11:10 (GMT+8) and the Super Sprint (Youth A) at 15:10 (GMT+8).
Sunday Trails
The final day in Dunsborough turns to the trails, where the Asia-Pacific Trail Run Championship is decided across the Marathon and Half Marathon, with regional titles and XTERRA Trail Run World Championship spots on the line.
Busselton’s Meluka Bancroft, reigning age group champion, says, “There are lots of opportunities for people to watch along the course, especially around the different beaches.”
The Trail Marathon covers 38K from Meelup Regional Park towards Cape Naturaliste and back, with technical trail, sand, and 4WD tracks. The Trail Half Marathon follows with 21K along the same bushland trails, while the 10K Trail Run offers a shorter option for everyone to enjoy a group jog along the coast.
Check out XTERRA Trail Run on Instagram for moments from the day.
The Overall Experience
Registration remains open on the event page for those looking to join any event. Community swim, ride and run sessions will connect old and new friends, the Expo Village will be flowing with good coffee, food, and space to spend time together.
There’s also kids entertainment, including the Groms race, which ends up as one of the most fun moments of the weekend. For those who can’t make it this time, XTERRA Asia-Pacific on Instagram will continue to share some of the best moments spent outside in 2026.
