October 10, 2026 | Grindstone Lake Park

XTERRA World Championship

Full Distance Triathlon

Swim

1.5K

Bike

27K

Run

10K

Event Overview

The Full Distance World Championship begins with a swim in the cool, clear waters of Grindstone Lake, nestled at the edge of the high New Mexico forest. From there, athletes take on a dynamic ride through tight, rocky singletrack with sweeping views of the Sierra Blanca range, before tackling a trail run across rolling terrain on the final push toward the finish line, where the next class of XTERRA World Champions will be crowned.

Course Maps

Swim

1500m

Bike Course

Click through to see the bike course map, description and download the GPX file.

Run Course

Click through to see the run course map, description and download the GPX file.

Schedule

1

Sat 2026.10.10

+

09:30

START - Full Distance Triathlon

Grindstone Lake (map)

Prizes

$15,000

Elite Prize Purse

🏆 Trophy

Division Top 3

🏅 Medal

All Finishers

Elite Prize Purse - US$100,000

PositionWomenMen
1US$20,000US$20,000
2US$12,000US$12,000
3US$7,000US$7,000
4US$4,000US$4,000
5US$2,500US$2,500
6US$1,500US$1,500
7US$1,100US$1,100
8US$800US$800
9US$600US$600
10US$500US$500

World Championship Podiums

Age GroupAwardedAge GroupAwardedAge GroupAwarded
20-24Top 345-49Top 370-74Top 3
25-29Top 350-54Top 375-79Top 3
30-34Top 355-59Top 380+Top 3
35-39Top 360-64Top 3
40-44Top 365-69Top 3
Slots indicated apply equally to male and female divisions. See the complete rules here.

ELITE PRIZE PURSE AND AMATEUR ITALY SLOTS AWARDED

2025 Elite Prize Money Policy:

All elites earning prize money will receive onsite a W-9 (US resident) or W-8BEN form and a bank wire information form.  Return your completed forms to Samantha Paulson onsite or by email to [email protected].

Prize money will be paid by bank wire within two-to-four weeks.

Foreign elites will be subject to 30% withholding and may file a refund through the IRS 2021 form 1040NR by April 15.

Age groupers battle for 58 slots to the World Championship.

Top finishers at the XTERRA Ruidoso race are awarded slots to the XTERRA World Championship in Italy based on the following age group allocations.

Amateur awards will also be given to the top three in each age-group division. You must be present to receive your awards. Awards will not be mailed after the event.

Fees

Race Fees

DescriptionFee
Individual (Qualification Only)$510

What's included in my registration fee?

On top of getting the opportunity to race alongside top elites and global age-group qualifiers, the entry fee includes:

  • athlete race packet (bibs, bike plate, tattoos, swim cap, timing chip)

  • athlete swag (including finisher medal)

  • premium race event experience

  • professional medical support on course and at the finish

  • 2 dinner tickets (welcome dinner and awards ceremony)

Rules & Info

HOW TO QUALIFY

You can read more about the XTERRA World Championship Qualification on his page.

RULES

We will be following the USAT Rules for the 2026 XTERRA World Championship.

View full USAT competition rules.

TRIATHLON SUITS / UNIFORM

For all age group athletes, there are no strict rules regarding uniforms. However, elite athletes will follow the World Triathlon Guidelines regarding uniform. 

AID STATIONS

Competitors are encouraged to be responsible for their own hydration during the race (ie. bring your own bike bottles and hydration packs).

Water, energy bars, gels & isotonic drinks will be available on the course. 

What is the Full Distance Triathlon Deferral/Refund Policy?

Athletes may request a partial refund of US$110 with written notice to [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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.