July Events: 77 Races as the 2023 Season Heats Up

July starts out with one of the biggest bangs there is on the EMEA Tour as XTERRA France lights up the town of Xonrupt with the single largest and loudest crowd on the circuit. Since debuting in 2010, XTERRA France has grown to become an absolute behemoth of an event, with around 2000 off-road athletes and thousands more spectators descending on Xonrupt for a 2-day festival of XTERRA racing. 

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A season favourite for so many experienced athletes and a bucket-list race for XTERRA fans around the world there are multiple reasons why XTERRA France continues to sell out almost every year, but nothing stands out more than the electric atmosphere that builds up around the custom-built bike park. 

Each year the organisers construct a completely unique bike park using over a 1200 pallets of wood to create a structure that raises the bike park and sections of the run metres into the air to produce one of the most spectacular finishes in racing, be it on-road or off-road. 

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The bike park forms the centre of the race village and almost every race of the event makes use of the custom built structure, with fans building up throughout the day to form easily the loudest finishes there is. And not just for the pros - for every racer, young and old, that crosses that line. 

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The Full Distance triathlon will be the pinnacle race of the weekend, but the Enduro Triathlon is bound to get the crowd pumped as the fast-paced format is essentially 3 short triathlons in 1 - swim/bike/run/swim/bike/run/swim/bike/run - all within the race village in front of the screaming fans. 

Also on the cards for a full weekend of off-road fun is the Kids Triathlon (12-15 year olds), the MiniKids Triathlon (8-11 year olds), the Swim Run (teams of 2) and the Discovery Triathlon for first timers and speedsters. 

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The organisers of XTERRA France have mastered the art of putting athletes at the very centre of the event and producing a truly unforgettable race experience, something those on their way to Xonrupt will soon find out.

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One of the biggest new additions to the Trail Run World Series, the XTERRA Garmin Mountain Festival is set to see nearly 2500 trail runners head into the Pyrenees mountain range to take on the peaks, paths and rocky ridgelines of northern Spain. 

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The festival is an opportunity for trail enthusiasts to experience the full spectrum of adventure that lies within the Pyrenees, with 5 separate distances catering to just how much you’re willing to explore.

The 42K Marathon and 24K Half Marathon will give runners a full tour of the towering peaks, winding paths, and awe-inspiring ridges, with 116 slots in each distance available for the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship in Maine on September 30th. But for those willing to truly test their endurance and take on all the beauty and brutality that the Pyrenees can serve up, there is also a 62K Trail Ultra Marathon on offer while the 12K Trail Run is ready to give beginners a taste of the action.

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The event may be new to the Trail Run World Series, but its history has earned it the reputation of being one of the top-ranked mountain festivals in southern Europe and promises to be a spectacle of outdoor sports and a true celebration of the human spirit.

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The Auckland Trail Run & Walk Series is back and ready to get 2023 started with the first of 6 trail run events heading to Shakespear Regional Park this July. 

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The series is built on the values of community and exploration, with each of the events offering multiple distances through the trail run heaven that is New Zealand to ensure there is something for just about every level of runner. 

The first stop set to take runners and walkers on an adventure through farmland, well-groomed single tracks, open trails, occasional hills, and consistently breathtaking views of Te Haruhi beach and Okoromai Bay. 

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The 21K Trail Half Marathon will serve as the only race for local runners hopeful of earning a slot to the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship, but there is still plenty of adventure to be had in the 17K, 11K, and 7.5K distances that await just outside of the country’s capital. 

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July also brings with it an opportunity for Japanese trail runners and those in the APAC region to step up and claim their place on the starting line at the first ever qualification-only XTERRA Trail Run World Championship this year. 

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Heading to the spiritual home of XTERRA Japan, the event offers a choice between the gruelling 50K Trail Marathon, the challenging 25K Trail Half Marathon, or a fun 5K Trail Run. Only the Marathon and Half Marathon will offer championship slots but all three distances will give runners a taste of the true beauty of the Japanese mountains.

But as all trail runners know, true beauty comes at a price and Marunuma is no different. One of the tougher courses in the series, the trail takes runners along the scenic lakeside of Lake Marunuma, starting at an altitude of 1450 metres and ascending to an impressive 2000 metres at its peak. The trail then winds its way downhill for several kilometres, passing through Marunuma Kogen Pension Village, before returning along the picturesque lakeshore. 

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Japan is widely known for its scenic beauty and there is no better way to experience it than on foot and fuelled by the adrenaline of the race atmosphere. 

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On a secluded private ranch on the outskirts of Navasota, Texas you’ll find a hidden treasure of an XTERRA course complete with a pretty blue lake and miles upon miles of sweet single track trails. To unlock the adventure, however, you’ll have to register for XTERRA Magnolia Hill because that’s the only time all year the public is allowed access to ride and run through the vast pine-tree forest.

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With beginner friendly off-road triathlons on Saturday, a full slate of trail runs on Sunday, and primitive camping on-site for just $10 per night, it’s weekend family fun at its finest.

And, as the last of three races in the XTERRA Texas series, it’s a golden opportunity for age groupers to grab a qualifying spot into the XTERRA World Championship (Sept 24 in Italy) or the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship Half Marathon (October 1 in Maine).

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For those who have always dreamed of going on an adventure to Vancouver Island, now is the time.

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An XTERRA weekend spent racing around the world class trails at Mount Work is just one of the many extraordinary experiences available on the West Coast of Canada. There’s also trekking, camping, whale watching, and kayaking with excursions to Pacific Rim National Park, Butchart Gardens, the West Coast Trail, or the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve at the tip of your fingers.

Over the last 12 years, the intimate, grass roots vibe at XTERRA Victoria has delighted all who visit and rewarded athletes with an enchanting forest and perfect dirt to play on. And by night, Victoria is one of the most walkable cities in the world.

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If discovering something new sounds exciting to you, try going off-the-beaten path in British Columbia to test your mettle at the XTERRA Pemberton 9 or 22-kilometer trail runs at Mount Currie.

The inaugural event is a passion project for race organizer Kristian Manietta, who said… “These are the best, and most challenging climbing trails you'll ever run, followed immediately by a classic Pemberton descent with spectacular views all around. Expect to have a grand trail run adventure.” 

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After it’s over, head to The Pony or North Arm Farm for grub, and for beer lovers, a drive down to Pemberton Meadows to visit the Beer Farmers is a must. Bonus, the wonderful world of Whistler is just a half-hour south and the jaw-dropping beauty of Joffre Lakes is just a short drive north. Pro Tip: Get your day pass to hike Joffre Lakes early if that’s on the agenda, because they go quick!

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Another big hitter in the Trail Run World Series for the month of July and another big reason for runners in the EMEA region to lace up and get out. 

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Set in the heart of Wales' outdoor capital, Llanberis, the XTERRA Snowdonia Trail Marathon is a festival for trail run purists, with finishers rightfully claiming a badge of honour for conquering one of the UK's most challenging trail races. Expect a brutal amount of climbing (2133m in the ultra, 1685m in the Marathon and 1192m in the Half Marathon) to be met with the kind of panoramic views that have made Snowdonia National Park the mecca that it has become for outdoor enthusiasts.

Similar to the XTERRA Garmin Mountain Festival, only the 44K Marathon and the 21K Half Marathon will feature as part of the Trail Run World Series, with a combined 232 championship slots awarded to the fastest in each age division, but the 57K Ultra and a 10K will round out the festival to give veterans and beginners a ticket to the iconic trails. 

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A true KOM and QOM event, all 4 distances will take on sections of Snowdon, Wale’s highest peak, with those competing in the 44K and the 57K making it to the very top.

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For nearly two decades Andy Bacon and his team have hosted weekend warriors and hardcore endurance sports enthusiasts from across the Atlantic at XTERRA EX2, an off-road triathlon that combines a .75-mile mountain lake swim with a beginner-friendly 13-mile mountain bike and a truly challenging 6-mile trail run.

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The mountainous terrain at Rocky Gap State Park in Western Maryland is pure XTERRA, dishing out more than 1000 feet of climbing on the bike and another 600-feet of up-and-down on the run.

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“And aside from some tarmac to get to the trail heads, it’s all on awesome singletrack and doubletrack trails. There’s a great beach here too, and they have kayak and paddleboard rentals for the family to enjoy,” said Bacon.

Pro Tip: Visit the on-side lodge and casino, stay in one of Cumberland’s cozy bed and breakfasts near the park, and enjoy a romantic weekend getaway just a couple hours from Washington DC.

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Let the games begin! Night Runs, Night SwimRuns, Kids Trail Runs & Triathlons, Duathlons, and Sprint, Super-Sprint, Pro Races, and XTERRA World Championship qualifying off-road triathlons and trail runs. 

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There’s a lot to be excited about when XTERRA rolls into Manoir du Lac Delage in the Canadian Province of Quebec this summer, highlighted by the golden opportunity for runners to secure qualifying spots into the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship half-and-full marathons which will be held just a few hours away in Carrabassett Valley, Maine on October 1.

Plus, some of the world’s top ranked elites like Sam Osborne and Samantha Kingsford are headed up to experience one of the most stunning natural environments in the world for XTERRA, and to race for a share of the $7,500 USD in prize money.

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XTERRA Lake Scanno is an event every true XTERRA fan should experience at least once. If you love extreme challenges, the one that takes place in and around the famous heart-shaped lake in Italy should be on your list for multiple reasons. 

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XTERRA Lake Scanno is one of the most beloved races on the circuit, especially for its technicality. The course embodies the XTERRA challenge at its best and is particularly demanding in the bike section, even with the newly modified route for the 2023 edition. Ever since the race first debuted in the land of the bear in 2013, the sunset over the lake has become the hallmark of this international stage. And with the World Championship set to be held in Italy this September, the race is the perfect opportunity for international athletes to experience the Italian terrain before the most important event of the year, and for local athletes to claim their spot on the starting line.

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The full distance race will see athletes swim in the waters of the lake and navigate through the narrow streets of the village, facing steep and long climbs, reaching the ski slopes at the top of the mountains around the lake, and then running downhill on both bike and track routes until they return to the finish line on the shores. There will also be a sprint triathlon for the newcomers and short distance specialists to get a taste of taking on the signature Italian terrain.

Lake Scanno has become a bucket-list location for outdoor sports enthusiasts, especially mountain biking, trail running, and trekking enthusiasts, who fill the local accommodations every season. For those heading to the race this month, don't forget to take the time to get lost among the natural and historical beauties, enjoying the gastronomic excellence of the area such as cheeses and pastry products, or visiting the many goldsmith shops open in the heart of the historic village in Scanno.

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The XTERRA Conquer the Crater 63K Ultra Marathon course takes athletes across iconic vistas of the Canadian Shield, showcasing the region’s famous rock, pine forests, and unique geography that once inspired NASA to send their astronauts there for training.

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That’s just one of the amazing events on tap over the weekend celebration at Kivi Park. Kids can go on an adventure, while runners and off-road triathletes strive to secure their spot on the start line at XTERRA Worlds.

The gathering is about much more than just racing, however, as 100% of all proceeds support the Northern Cancer Foundation’s Miles against Cancer Fund, dedicated to improving the survival rate and quality of life of children and their families impacted by pediatric cancer in Northeastern Ontario.

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The American midwest is filled with great places to visit and races to enter, but when it comes to off-road triathlon, there’s no better place than Potato Creek State Park and no better race than XTERRA DINO Northern Indiana.

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It combines a half-mile swim in the calm warm waters of Worster Lake with a fast and flowy 15-mile mountain bike and hilly 7K trail run.

It’s summer fun at its finest and the ideal spot to hang out with friends and family. There are cabins on-site that sleep eight for less than $100 a night or you can basecamp in South Bend, home to the University of Notre Dame, which is just 10 minutes away.

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Another mountain festival added to the Trail Run World Series and another reason for the XTERRA trail running community to get their racing calendars prepped. 

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After 14 editions, the Skyrace has grown to become one the most family-friendly mountain festivals in the region with trekking, yoga, outdoor cinemas, via ferrata, and childrens races combining with some of the best trail running in Andorra. Now, starting in 2023, the 2-day festival will also feature as part of the XTERRA Trail Run World Series, giving runners the opportunity to qualify for the Trail Run World Championship held in Maine at the end of September. 

Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Andorra, the festival offers a 24K Trail Half Marathon that will come with 116 qualifying slots, as well as an 18K race and a 9K race. 

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Andorra's magnificent terrain adds a remarkable element to the race. Comapedrosa is the highest peak in Andorra at an imposing height of 2942 metres, offering a diverse range of landscapes, from rocky terrain to lush forests. Runners will pass through beautiful red pine and fir forests, cross small wooden bridges, all while accompanied by the soothing sounds of the Pollós and Comapedrosa rivers in the background. The trails encompass both steep ascents and comfortable flat terrains, providing a mix of exhilaration and respite for participants.

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The second stop of the Auckland Trail Run & Walk Series heads to Totara Park for an event that promises diverse terrains and a friendly atmosphere with smiles all around. 

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The Totara Park Trail Run offers four choices of trail run races: 7K, 11K, 17K, and 22K. Whether you're seeking a shorter, fast-paced sprint or a longer, more challenging distance, there's a race to suit every runner's preference and skill level.

The courses lead runners into captivating forests, where you will encounter the beautiful Totara trees that lend their name to the park. Small inclines prepare you to wind your way around the hillside until you reach a tranquil bush loop. 

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For the speedsters and World Championship hopefuls, the 22K Half Marathon will offer 116 slots to the World Championship in Maine, while the remaining 3 distances will offer the inclusive trail run (or walk) experience you’ve come to expect from the series.

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EDIT: 2023 Event Cancelled.

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July ends with the longest race of them all as XTERRA Super-Besse brings the long distance format to the EMEA region for the first time this season. The race is a true test of endurance and possibly the single best way to experience the natural terrain surrounding Lac des Hermines in the breathtaking Massif central region of France. 

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Nestled at the foot of the Super-Besse resort ski slopes in the Auvergne region, the 1.9K swim takes place in the serene Lake des Hermines, situated at an altitude of 1350m and offering panoramic views of the majestic Sancy Mountain Range. 

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The 70K mountain bike course will have athletes taking on a variety of terrains and technical sections as they head towards the volcanic lakes of Auvergne. Moving from Lake Pavin to Lake Montcineyre and Lake Bourdouze, participants will truly have their endurance on two wheels tested. The long distance format is the only format in XTERRA racing that allows for gravel bikes but as indicated on the race page, mountain bikes are far better suited for the XTERRA Super-Besse course.

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The 20K trail run course will take participants to the summit of the mountain ski resort, reaching an impressive altitude of 1800m on the way to the finish. Even though 28 championship slots will be available for the fastest in each division, simply finishing is often the only goal.

The Massif central region of France boasts stunning natural wonders, charming villages, and a rich cultural heritage, with the event offering something for everyone. Alongside the long-distance race is a MiniBaby Triathlon (3-5 year olds), Baby Triathlon (5-7 year olds), MiniKids Triathlon (8-11 year olds), Kids Triathlon (12-15 year olds) and a Short Distance Triathlon that is open to individuals and teams.

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Athletes can indulge in the local cuisine, explore the picturesque surroundings, and embrace the warm hospitality of the local community. Get ready for an epic adventure at XTERRA Super-Besse, where endurance, breathtaking terrain, and a festive atmosphere combine to create an unforgettable off-road experience.

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