October Events: The Season Finale

Off-road triathlon’s greatest day is upon us, and for the first time in history, it’s not in Maui.

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And while a new era for XTERRA unfolds at the base of the breathtaking Dolomites in Trentino, Italy, the time honored quest to discover unknown territory that has been part and parcel of the XTERRA experience since the very beginning, continues.

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Adventuring to places we’ve never been before has been a right of passage for XTERRA racers since the first collection of brave souls took on the wild side of Ulupalakua Ranch - sight unseen - at the inaugural XTERRA World Championship in 1996.

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It’s in our name. It’s what we do.  X marks the unknown. TERRA = EARTH.  XTERRA

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As we embark on this new journey, we give thanks to Maui, our birthplace, and to the Hawaiian people for hosting us, and for sharing their land and the Aloha spirit with the XTERRA Family. We also are thankful to our new hosts in Trentino, who have rolled out the red carpet for us.

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“The wonderful things in life are the things you do, not the things you have.”

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It’s a quote from Reinhold Andreas Messner, an Italian explorer famous for making the first solo ascent of Mount Everest. Messner learned to climb in the Dolomites, the same magnificent mountain range where a new batch of XTERRA World Champions will be crowned on October 1.

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“I hope to meet him in the bakery,” smiled Allesandra Dias, an XTERRA racer from Brazil who made Messner’s quote her mantra for the trip to Trentino. 

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It’s a perfect mantra, indeed, to honor our past and the wonderful things we did in Hawaii while we embrace our new home in the mountains and look up to all the incredible adventures to come.

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See event details.

Cactus and dry heat aren’t the only thing you can find in the Arizona desert. There are also quality trails and fast runners, and the XTERRA Arizona Trail Run Series is proof of that. It made its debut on the XTERRA Trail Run Series schedule in 2011 and has been going strong since.

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On October 9, 2022, the first of six trail races in the 2022-23 season gets underway in Tempe with 26K, 10K, or 5K trail runs through the scenic Papago Buttes.

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The 26K, part of the all-new XTERRA Trail Run World Series, has a little bit of everything: desert, water, nature, and even a glimpse of urban life. Runners are advised to check for the bighorn sheep on the buttes as they pass the Phoenix Zoo, and take in the gorgeous Desert Botanical Garden too.

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Race director Shannon Lindner knows how to treat her runners right, too, as everyone is invited to stick around after the race for a huge breakfast, a super cool race tee and finisher medal, as well as entry into fun post-race festivities.

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See event details.

On October 9th XTERRA returns to the amazing Valle De Joux in Switzerland, known for Lac de Joux, incredible meadows and the picturesque forest that wraps around the clear waters of the lake. 

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The valley is also known as ‘The Watch Valley’ with several watch manufacturers having a long history of producing their wares in the area. 

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Following the XTERRA triathlon held in the same location back in June, this time it’s the trail runners who will be having all the fun. 

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With four distances to choose from, three of which form part of the XTERRA Trail Run World Series, there is something for just about everyone in the scenic meadows and forests of Valle De Joux. 

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See event details.

Also returning for a second time this season for trail run adventures is Oybin, Germany.

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Situated right in the heart of the Zittau Mountain Park, Oybin is particularly famous for its unique rock formations. Formed millions of years ago as mother nature carved out valleys, mountains and lakes, the terrain offers the perfect playground for trail run enthusiasts who seek adventure, challenge and stunning views.

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Athletes can pick between a 15km, 25km, 50km and a whopping 65km trail running loop. But be wary as the trails that snake through the forest are technical with some serious climbing altitude gained as the course tracks along the mountain range that follows the German and Czech border. 

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The last of the European events for 2022, and what a way to end it!

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XTERRA Sardegna (also known as Sardinia) is held at the Garden Beach Resort on the southern tip of the island, where warm weather, golden beaches and an incredible race course never fails to leave smiles on faces across the field.

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There is a range of events available, with two short distance triathlons and an open water swim, but the pinnacle event of the weekend is the last round of the XTERRA Long Distance. Covering a 2km swim, 58km mountain bike and an 18km trail run, this is not for the faint of heart. 

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As with all XTERRA Long Distance events, there is the option to bring a gravel bike, although the rocky terrain of the Med’s second largest island may influence your decision surrounding what type of bike you choose to ride. 

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With 26 World Championship 2023 qualifying slots awarded to Age Group athletes, XTERRA Sardegna could be the best way to finish 2022, and to start 2023. 

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See event details.

Surely one of the top contenders for the ultimate race-cation, XTERRA Tahiti combines thick tropical jungle, blue lagoons, pristine beaches, and epic races that take participants on a winding adventure through the postcard terrain of Moorea island.

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Starting with an early morning boat ride to Moorea, Saturday will feature both the full-distance XTERRA triathlon as well as a much shorter distance triathlon to give the future XTERRA stars their first taste of off-road racing. 

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Sunday is all about speed and power with a short track event to round out the weekend.

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But there is still plenty to do for athletes, friends, and family on an island that is a feast for the eyes at every turn, and home to one of the world’s largest whale and dolphin sanctuary.

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Chile promises not only a great race, but also a spectacular travel experience rich in natural beauty, culture, and history.  

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It is home to Patagonia, Easter Island, the high Andean plateau, and vineyards producing some of the world’s best wine.

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Set among the natural beauty of Vichuquén in central Chile, the race itself explores a series of fabulous trails traversing through the Laguna Torca Forest Reserve.

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In addition to the main event, the only Chilean qualifier for XTERRA Worlds, organizer Rodrigo Ballivian will host a 10km trail run, a 16km race that will score points in the XTERRA Trail Run World Series, a sprint distance off-road triathlon, and a 1.5km swim competition.

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See event details.