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In the emerald peaks of Colombia’s Eastern Cordillera, the mountain town of Paipa, known for hosting demanding events and welcoming competitors with open arms, will host the debut of the XTERRA South American Championship on May 24-25. With mountain trails, high-altitude air, and mineral-rich lakes, Paipa provides the perfect environment for a festival of continental proportions and lasting significance.
The Full Distance Triathlon on Saturday will also offer 58 qualifying slots to the 2025 XTERRA World Championship in Molveno, Italy, along with a $15,000 Elite prize purse. Athletes from various age groups throughout South America will compete to become the first-ever XTERRA South American Champions, while others from around the globe have arrived to explore the region and challenge themselves in a setting rich with natural beauty and history.
Saturday also includes the Sprint Distance Triathlon, a qualifier for the XTERRA Youth World Championship that gives young participants a chance to earn their place among the sport’s top up-and-comers. On Sunday, attention shifts to the 21K Trail Half Marathon, part of the XTERRA Trail Run World Series and a qualifier for the 2025 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship. The weekend also features a 10K trail run and a full schedule of Kids’ Races, inviting families and friends to share in the immersive experience.
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XTERRA first arrived in South America with a 2005 event held in Brazil that grew into multiple nationwide competitions which produced icons like Alexandre Manzan (BRA) and Felipe Moletta (BRA), each winning six national titles. By 2008, XTERRA expanded to Ecuador, with high-altitude racing at Yahuarcocha Lake giving local athletes a homegrown path to the XTERRA World Championship.
Argentina joined in 2016 with the San Juan Championship, where Carolina Nieva (ARG) rose from age group World Champion to Elite contender. A year later, XTERRA Chile launched near Santiago, with five-time World Championship runner-up Barbara Riveros (CHI) becoming the region’s most decorated XTERRA athlete.
In 2024, Colombia hosted its first XTERRA event, with Paola Morales (COL) and Alejandro Guzmán Medina (COL) earning victories on home soil. Now, in 2025, it all comes together in Paipa for the debut of the XTERRA South American Championship, a long-overdue celebration of the region’s history, talent, and passion for off-road adventure.
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Paipa’s reputation as Colombia’s premier altitude training destination is well deserved. Boyacá’s mountains have hosted Tour de France champions, distance runners, and national swim teams. The town’s well developed sporting infrastructure, including lakeside venues, thermal recovery pools, athletics tracks, and extensive sports facilities, earned Paipa recognition as Colombia’s “Sports City of the Year” in 2024, an honor awarded by the regional newspaper Boyacá 7 Días after the town hosted over 100 sporting events in a single year.
According to Medina, the defending XTERRA Colombia winner, the area offers a rare advantage for endurance athletes, allowing them to “combine high altitude training with lower elevation sessions nearby,” which he says is key to “developing strength, adaptation, and performance all in one place.”
Its mild climate (17 to 18 °C year round), proximity to Bogotá, and strong community support make it both accessible and welcoming. As Mayor Germán Camacho said, “Paipa’s XTERRA South American Championship will welcome you with open arms to enjoy our hot springs, excellent cuisine, must-see tourist attractions like the monument to the Lanceros Pantano de Vargas, beautiful handmade crafts, rich culture, and above all, the warmth of our people.”
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XTERRA’s arrival in Colombia was driven by Xportiva, a family-run sports event company from Bogotá. Founded by János Kapitány, his wife Sofi, and daughter Manuela, Xportiva previously introduced open-water swimming (Oceanman) and triathlon festivals (XSERIES) to Colombia before partnering with XTERRA for the first XTERRA Colombia in Paipa in 2024.
The event immediately resonated with athletes and the community, establishing Paipa as a new hub for off-road sports. Local authorities, including Paipa’s municipal government and sports institute (IERD), worked closely with Xportiva to deliver a successful race. XTERRA Americas Events Coordinator Emily McIlvaine praised their efforts, saying Xportiva “exceeded every expectation.”
With momentum from their impressive debut, the Kapitány family and Xportiva now prepare for an even bigger milestone, the first ever XTERRA South American Championship in 2025. Hosting the continental championship in Paipa represents “a dream realized,” says Manuela Kapitány. “It’s amazing that we’re hosting the first ever South American Championship here. We are very excited and very proud.”
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Swim (1.5K): Athletes will start with a single-loop 1.5K swim in the clear, calm waters of Lake Sochagota, surrounded by the lush hills and mountains of Boyacá. With a lakeside promenade offering great visibility for spectators and the region’s thermal springs nearby, the venue delivers both beauty and atmosphere. “The swim is fast, maybe a bit cold, but manageable,” says Medina.
Bike (30K): The 30K mountain bike course explores the heart of Paipa’s countryside. Riders will climb and descend across rolling terrain, weaving through farms, grazing fields, and rural paths that reflect the region’s traditional lifestyle. “The bike course is an immersive tour of the Colombian countryside,” says Kirk Ermels, Technical Director of XTERRA Americas. “Winding and climbing through farms and fields with abundant views around every corner.”
Run (10K): The final leg begins with a smooth stretch along the lake before launching into a steep climb to a panoramic overlook. The route then winds through forest trails and rural roads before finishing at the festival grounds. “The run is challenging,” Medina adds. “The key is to go hard uphill and maintain pace downhill.”
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The XTERRA South American Championship Sprint Distance Triathlon in Paipa is open to all athletes, but for Youth B (16 to 17) and Junior (18 to 19) competitors, it is a shot at something bigger. The top performers in these age groups will earn one of 20 qualifying slots to the XTERRA Youth World Championship in Molveno, Italy, this September.
Set at 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) above sea level, the Sprint Triathlon features a 750M swim in Lake Sochagota, a 15K mountain bike through the countryside, and a 5K trail run. High altitude, fast paced, and meaningful, this is where the next generation of XTERRA champions begins.
XTERRA Colombia in 2024 saw strong performances from local athletes, with Mirtha Lucia Realpe Palacios (40-44), Pamela Holguín Gallego (35-39), and Lirany Gomez (35-39) leading the way in the women’s age group field. On the men’s side, Yeison Lopez (25-29), Eduardo Londono (25-29), and Carlos Arturo Zuluaga Gómez (35-39) stood out among the top Colombian age group competitors.
This year, the stakes are higher. With the event elevated to the XTERRA South American Championship, the challenge is no longer just about personal bests. It is about continental pride. The same athletes who led the way in 2024 will now face an entirely different atmosphere, as age groupers from around South America join the field and push the level of competition even further.
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The XTERRA South American Championship opens with dancers from Paipa and live performances of traditional music from the region. Local singers will join the celebration, adding the sounds of Boyacá to the energy of race day.
The race village will feature food booths with regional dishes, stalls offering handmade crafts, and everything athletes need for the event. A traditional Colombian BBQ at the finish line will bring together racers, families, and fans in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
On Sunday, the action continues with the 21K Trail Half Marathon, the 10K run, and the Run4Kids event. With racing and festivities spread across both days, those competing on Saturday will have every reason to stay and enjoy the full experience with the XTERRA Community in Paipa.
Follow @XTERRAamericas on Instagram for stories, moments, and scenes from the inaugural XTERRA South American Championship after the weekend.
In the emerald peaks of Colombia’s Eastern Cordillera, the mountain town of Paipa, known for hosting demanding events and welcoming competitors with open arms, will host the debut of the XTERRA South American Championship on May 24-25. With mountain trails, high-altitude air, and mineral-rich lakes, Paipa provides the perfect environment for a festival of continental proportions and lasting significance.
The Full Distance Triathlon on Saturday will also offer 58 qualifying slots to the 2025 XTERRA World Championship in Molveno, Italy, along with a $15,000 Elite prize purse. Athletes from various age groups throughout South America will compete to become the first-ever XTERRA South American Champions, while others from around the globe have arrived to explore the region and challenge themselves in a setting rich with natural beauty and history.
Saturday also includes the Sprint Distance Triathlon, a qualifier for the XTERRA Youth World Championship that gives young participants a chance to earn their place among the sport’s top up-and-comers. On Sunday, attention shifts to the 21K Trail Half Marathon, part of the XTERRA Trail Run World Series and a qualifier for the 2025 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship. The weekend also features a 10K trail run and a full schedule of Kids’ Races, inviting families and friends to share in the immersive experience.
XTERRA first arrived in South America with a 2005 event held in Brazil that grew into multiple nationwide competitions which produced icons like Alexandre Manzan (BRA) and Felipe Moletta (BRA), each winning six national titles. By 2008, XTERRA expanded to Ecuador, with high-altitude racing at Yahuarcocha Lake giving local athletes a homegrown path to the XTERRA World Championship.
Argentina joined in 2016 with the San Juan Championship, where Carolina Nieva (ARG) rose from age group World Champion to Elite contender. A year later, XTERRA Chile launched near Santiago, with five-time World Championship runner-up Barbara Riveros (CHI) becoming the region’s most decorated XTERRA athlete.
In 2024, Colombia hosted its first XTERRA event, with Paola Morales (COL) and Alejandro Guzmán Medina (COL) earning victories on home soil. Now, in 2025, it all comes together in Paipa for the debut of the XTERRA South American Championship, a long-overdue celebration of the region’s history, talent, and passion for off-road adventure.
Paipa’s reputation as Colombia’s premier altitude training destination is well deserved. Boyacá’s mountains have hosted Tour de France champions, distance runners, and national swim teams. The town’s well developed sporting infrastructure, including lakeside venues, thermal recovery pools, athletics tracks, and extensive sports facilities, earned Paipa recognition as Colombia’s “Sports City of the Year” in 2024, an honor awarded by the regional newspaper Boyacá 7 Días after the town hosted over 100 sporting events in a single year.
According to Medina, the defending XTERRA Colombia winner, the area offers a rare advantage for endurance athletes, allowing them to “combine high altitude training with lower elevation sessions nearby,” which he says is key to “developing strength, adaptation, and performance all in one place.”
Its mild climate (17 to 18 °C year round), proximity to Bogotá, and strong community support make it both accessible and welcoming. As Mayor Germán Camacho said, “Paipa’s XTERRA South American Championship will welcome you with open arms to enjoy our hot springs, excellent cuisine, must-see tourist attractions like the monument to the Lanceros Pantano de Vargas, beautiful handmade crafts, rich culture, and above all, the warmth of our people.”
XTERRA’s arrival in Colombia was driven by Xportiva, a family-run sports event company from Bogotá. Founded by János Kapitány, his wife Sofi, and daughter Manuela, Xportiva previously introduced open-water swimming (Oceanman) and triathlon festivals (XSERIES) to Colombia before partnering with XTERRA for the first XTERRA Colombia in Paipa in 2024.
The event immediately resonated with athletes and the community, establishing Paipa as a new hub for off-road sports. Local authorities, including Paipa’s municipal government and sports institute (IERD), worked closely with Xportiva to deliver a successful race. XTERRA Americas Events Coordinator Emily McIlvaine praised their efforts, saying Xportiva “exceeded every expectation.”
With momentum from their impressive debut, the Kapitány family and Xportiva now prepare for an even bigger milestone, the first ever XTERRA South American Championship in 2025. Hosting the continental championship in Paipa represents “a dream realized,” says Manuela Kapitány. “It’s amazing that we’re hosting the first ever South American Championship here. We are very excited and very proud.”
Swim (1.5K): Athletes will start with a single-loop 1.5K swim in the clear, calm waters of Lake Sochagota, surrounded by the lush hills and mountains of Boyacá. With a lakeside promenade offering great visibility for spectators and the region’s thermal springs nearby, the venue delivers both beauty and atmosphere. “The swim is fast, maybe a bit cold, but manageable,” says Medina.
Bike (30K): The 30K mountain bike course explores the heart of Paipa’s countryside. Riders will climb and descend across rolling terrain, weaving through farms, grazing fields, and rural paths that reflect the region’s traditional lifestyle. “The bike course is an immersive tour of the Colombian countryside,” says Kirk Ermels, Technical Director of XTERRA Americas. “Winding and climbing through farms and fields with abundant views around every corner.”
Run (10K): The final leg begins with a smooth stretch along the lake before launching into a steep climb to a panoramic overlook. The route then winds through forest trails and rural roads before finishing at the festival grounds. “The run is challenging,” Medina adds. “The key is to go hard uphill and maintain pace downhill.”
The XTERRA South American Championship Sprint Distance Triathlon in Paipa is open to all athletes, but for Youth B (16 to 17) and Junior (18 to 19) competitors, it is a shot at something bigger. The top performers in these age groups will earn one of 20 qualifying slots to the XTERRA Youth World Championship in Molveno, Italy, this September.
Set at 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) above sea level, the Sprint Triathlon features a 750M swim in Lake Sochagota, a 15K mountain bike through the countryside, and a 5K trail run. High altitude, fast paced, and meaningful, this is where the next generation of XTERRA champions begins.
XTERRA Colombia in 2024 saw strong performances from local athletes, with Mirtha Lucia Realpe Palacios (40-44), Pamela Holguín Gallego (35-39), and Lirany Gomez (35-39) leading the way in the women’s age group field. On the men’s side, Yeison Lopez (25-29), Eduardo Londono (25-29), and Carlos Arturo Zuluaga Gómez (35-39) stood out among the top Colombian age group competitors.
This year, the stakes are higher. With the event elevated to the XTERRA South American Championship, the challenge is no longer just about personal bests. It is about continental pride. The same athletes who led the way in 2024 will now face an entirely different atmosphere, as age groupers from around South America join the field and push the level of competition even further.
The XTERRA South American Championship opens with dancers from Paipa and live performances of traditional music from the region. Local singers will join the celebration, adding the sounds of Boyacá to the energy of race day.
The race village will feature food booths with regional dishes, stalls offering handmade crafts, and everything athletes need for the event. A traditional Colombian BBQ at the finish line will bring together racers, families, and fans in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
On Sunday, the action continues with the 21K Trail Half Marathon, the 10K run, and the Run4Kids event. With racing and festivities spread across both days, those competing on Saturday will have every reason to stay and enjoy the full experience with the XTERRA Community in Paipa.
Follow @XTERRAamericas on Instagram for stories, moments, and scenes from the inaugural XTERRA South American Championship after the weekend.
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