June Events: Epic Adventures Await

Just a short drive from the upcoming 2022 XTERRA World Championship venue in Molveno, the town of Toscolano Maderno is set to host the first of 4 events in Italy this year, each with multiple offerings for off-road enthusiasts.  

‍

And the event venue could not be any closer to the shores of Lake Garda, with the town providing the buzzing atmosphere that we’ve come to expect from this event and the mountains at the top of the course providing a spectacular backdrop for a weekend of racing. 

‍

Known as one of the hardest courses on the circuit with over 1300m of climbing throughout the full distance, finishers will certainly have earned their Gelato.

This month brings two perfect excuses to visit the tropical paradise of Moorea, where almost every box there is for a dream vacation is checked - lazy blue lagoons, white sand beaches, tropical forest, dolphins, and humpback whales. 

‍

But there is a lot to be conquered first, and certainly not least the mythical Vini Tupuna. This 44km epic trail run will see international runners such as Mathieu Blanchard standing shoulder to shoulder with local runners in a beautiful yet brutal race where simply finishing quickly becomes the only objective. 

‍

But for those not ready to tackle the beast that is the Vini Tupuna, four shorter distances will give runners of all levels a chance to experience the indescribable beauty of trail running through one of the most breathtaking islands on the map.

The historical city of Namur plays host to one of the most popular events on the calendar for both athletes and spectators alike, with a signature mix of off-road racing and festival-feel that keeps the crowds coming back every year.

‍

The course winds its way along the banks of the La Meuse river for a manageable challenge for all levels of athletes (it just gets harder the faster you go!), with finishers celebrating alongside fans, friends, and family at the infamous Belgium afterparty.

‍

Expect action-packed off-road racing through the day and live bands and DJ’s that go late into the night for an unforgettable event experience. 

XTERRA discovered Cameron Park - deep in the heart of Texas - a dozen years ago and it's delivered a stellar experience to adventurers across the Americas ever since.

‍

Halfway between Austin and Dallas along the Brazos River, Waco is renowned for its brisket, chili, chicken fried steak, and pecan pie. And with all that tasty food at your fingertips, you’ll be happy to have a 400-acre gem of a park to play in before and after your feasts.

‍

To make it even sweeter, Waco has some of the finest trails anywhere in the U.S.

‍

“The course will take your breath away as you go up and down climb after climb, in and out of cedar breaks, and into dark bamboo forests,” explained race director Joel Grimmett.

‍

There are off-road triathlons on Saturday, trail runs on Sunday, and fun attractions like the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame Museum and Mammoth National Monument where you can walk in the footsteps of 14-foot, 20,000 pounds behemoths.

Whistler is so epic, Australian Kristian Manietta came for a holiday and never left.

‍

“We moved here for the winter as part of a year's adventure, but fell in love with Whistler in the summer and stayed,” said the XTERRA Whistler co-creator.

‍

“The fantastic thing about Whistler is there are lots of other family activities one can do, from stunning lake hikes to Bear tours, ziplines, and gondolas that take you up the mountain and Peak to Peak across the range.”

‍

As for food, Manietta says, “We have lots of fancy restaurants but there’s a Thai restaurant called Barn Nork that is ridiculously good. It’s at the Riverside Campground lodge. If you are after a burger, Splitz Grill is the place to go, and if you are into beer head down to Function Junction and go to Coast Mountain Brewery.”

‍

And if you’re into mountain biking, you already know about the world famous Whistler Bike Park, “the ultimate gravity-fed downhill biking experience.”

The second reason to head to Tahiti in June and the perfect reason to dive head-first into the turquoise water of the picturesque Moorea lagoon.

‍

The popular SwimRun format perfectly blends adventure and challenge as contestants alternate between lagoon swims and trail runs on a course that delivers magnificent panoramas of the island, one after the next.

‍

Not for the faint of heart, the full distance race covers a total of 35km over 16 stages, with the longest run coming in at 6.34km and the longest swim just 1km. But for less-experienced athletes keen to get in on the action and adventure, the short race covers just 12.5km. 

‍

For the adventure enthusiasts, this is undoubtedly one of the most thrilling and exciting ways to experience an island that is truly a gourmet feast for the eyes. 

There’s a lot to choose from for XTERRA trail runners this month, with New Zealand being particularly spoiled for choice. 

‍

Famous for its rich green mountainous terrain, woody forests, and jagged coastline, it’s no secret that NZ has some of the best trail running the world has to offer.

‍

On June 12 the XTERRA Shakespear Trail Run takes place in the stunning Shakespear Regional Park. Winding through picturesque NZ farmland with well-groomed single track, wide open spaces, and stunning views, the entry-level course and range of distances on offer (short, mid, long, super long) make it the true family-friendly event that it is.

‍

The exact same day will also see the XTERRA Woolshed Trail Run return to the Belmont Regional Park for a day on the trails that contains all the elements of an XTERRA event - adventure, challenge, and a heart-warmingly welcoming community.

‍

And because there’s always more to explore, the XTERRA West Wind Trail Run on June 26 is set to give runners a completely unique adventure on a course that snakes its way through pine needle tracks, coastal trails, and the staggering 110m high wind turbines.

For 10 straight years the XTERRA Lory off-road triathlon has been sold-out by April, and for good reason - epic trails, a cool crew, and spectacular views. 

‍

Held in Lory State Park along the Rocky Mountain foothills in northern Colorado, the race and place epitomize XTERRA. It’s also perfect for beginners and a superb summer escape for families. 

‍

The triathlon features a half-mile mile swim in the clear waters of Horsetooth Reservoir, Eltuk Bay. With canyon walls on both sides, it's one of the most scenic swims in the Americas.  Then comes a friendly 12.2 mile single-track mountain bike course over rolling terrain and a fun 5-mile (8k) run through the clouds that finishes with a 25-long Slip n’ Slide.

‍

If you didn’t get in this year, set yourself a reminder to sign-up early next year, and be sure to join the XTERRA Family for the USA Championship in Avon, Colorado on July 16th!

The editors of Triathlete Magazine just named Quebec, Canada one of four international destinations on their best place for a race-cation this year, and XTERRA has four chances to choose from starting with XTERRA Bromont in June, XTERRA Quebec in July, XTERRA Tremblant in August, and XTERRA Gaspesia in September.

‍

“Bromont is a charming resort town ideal for an active stay surrounded by nature,” said event organizer Christian Rodrigue. “ It includes a network of multifunctional trails totaling more than 140km, several mountain peaks, an aquatic park, numerous spas, hotels, restaurants and shops to enhance a stay.”

‍

Bromont (pictured above courtesy la-shot.ca) is located in the beautiful region of the Eastern Townships, an hour's drive from Montreal and Vermont, and less than three hours' drive from Quebec, Ottawa and Lake Placid NY.

‍

What’s fun about this off-road triathlon is the “MIXTERRA” option, where you can use your choice of a mountain bike, cyclocross (CX), gravel or fatbike!

See a different side to Prague! One of Europe’s most popular cities now has its very own XTERRA event. 

‍

With the event venue less than 4km from the famous old town of Prague, it's the perfect opportunity to experience the capital city of the Czech Republic whilst completing one of the more recent additions to the European Tour. 

‍

With numerous cheap flights and accommodation available, expect an electric atmosphere made up of beginner and experienced athletes, friends and family, and a cheering crowd of local support.

And finally, we end the month in the Vallee De Joux, a famous watch making region of Switzerland nestled close to the French border. 

‍

An absolute classic on the European circuit, the course winds its way along and around the crystal clear lakes to offer some truly spectacular scenery. The event itself takes place in a small town on the lake edge, providing few distractions and a real opportunity for visitors to reconnect with nature. 

‍

As one of the less demanding courses in Europe and with good transport connections, XTERRA Switzerland is the perfect place for first-time XTERRA competitors to get some off-road experience under their belt and for local spectators to see what all the fun is about.