Snowdon Bound: Everything Runners Need to Know About the 2025 Trail Run World Series

Built on the power of community, with XTERRA’s signature mix of challenge, adventure, and exploration, the XTERRA Trail Run World Series (TRWS) was created to connect runners with nature across the world’s most iconic, idyllic, and, at times, untouched terrains. A series for every trail runner—from speedsters to climbers to those simply embracing the journey at their own pace—the TRWS is an open invitation to anyone who craves human-powered adventure and the camaraderie of a global trail-running community.

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It was a shared passion and deep respect for nature and trails that first led to trail runners becoming a welcomed part of the XTERRA community, which began to build as far back as 1996. The inaugural Trail Run World Championship, held at Kualoa Ranch, Hawaii, in 2008, was a nod to just how ingrained trail running had become in the XTERRA identity. Since then, the appetite for trail adventure has grown exponentially, expanding through the Americas, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. By 2022, the momentum had reached a tipping point, leading to the launch of the XTERRA Trail Run World Series—a unified global series designed to connect and elevate the trail running community. While no two races in the series are the same, the spirit of XTERRA remains unmistakable in every location.

Today, the TRWS stands as one of the most inclusive global series in the sport, with age divisions ranging from youth age divisions all the way through 80+, along with the Challenged division ensuring accessibility for all. Every division’s top athletes are honoured equally as champions at both regional and world championship events. The distances are accessible, offering runners the choice between Marathon and Half Marathon courses. Whether racing locally for the love of the sport or chasing a World Championship slot, runners can set their own goals and take on the series at their own pace. The Trail Run World Series is for every runner hungry for adventure, with a world of trails—through mountains, forests, and deserts—ready to lead the way.

Navigation of the series is simple, with staggered levels of participation available depending just how far runners are willing to go. For those chasing adventure, races across nearly every terrain imaginable take place from January through December. For those looking to raise the bar, regional and world championship events bring an international field to the series’ marquee festivals. And for those who love the post-run numbers, the TRWS rankings system allows runners to compete for points against trail athletes worldwide.

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Competing in the series comes down to understanding the distances, qualifying races, slots, regional and world championships, and how the rankings system works.

Distances

Staying true to the ethos of accessible adventure, the Trail Run World Series is built around two core distances: the Trail Marathon and Trail Half Marathon. Trail Marathon courses range from 35 to 60K depending on the terrain's difficulty and the trails available, while Trail Half Marathon races offer a more moderate challenge, spanning 15 to 34K. The distances available at each event are listed on the TRWS schedule.

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Qualifying Races and Slots

Every race in the series serves as a qualifier for the XTERRA World Championship. While races are open to runners of all ages and levels, those with aspirations of competing at the World Championship must earn their slots. These are awarded to the top runners in each age division, with events offering between 28 and 116 slots per distance, depending on the event level. While there are no roll down slots, athletes who do secure a slot earn the right to line up alongside the world’s best at the pinnacle event of the series.

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Regional Championships

Beyond the World Championship, two of the biggest marquee events in 2025 will be the Asia-Pacific Trail Run Championship and the European Trail Run Championship. No qualification is required for these races—runners of all nationalities are welcome to compete. However, only athletes from the respective region can claim the championship title. The coastal paths of Dunsborough, Australia will set the stage this year for the Asia-Pacific Trail Run Champs before Europe crowns its best on the historic trails of Montserrat Natural Park in Spain.

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The Trail Run World Championship 

The only qualification-only event and the ultimate run of the series comes in the form of the annual XTERRA Trail Run World Championship. Now gearing up for its 16th edition, the biggest calendar event of the year draws hundreds of athletes from around the world for a multi-day celebration of nature, community, and the spirit of trail running. 

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After thirteen legendary years in Hawaii and two unforgettable years at Sugarloaf Mountain in Maine, USA, the Trail Run World Champs is now ready to deliver the next challenge for the series’ best runners, this time on the mythical trails of Snowdonia, Wales.

The legacy of the Trail Run World Championship, which began on Kualoa Ranch in 2008 before moving to Sugarloaf Mountain in 2023, now continues on Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) in Wales, as XTERRA upholds its commitment to rotating championship events and bringing the XTERRA spirit to new communities around the world.

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As the 16th edition of the Trail Run World Championship and the first to be held in Europe, few locations could be more fitting than the iconic Yr Wyddfa—Wales’ highest peak. With its leg-busting ascents, technical descents, and breathtaking highland landscapes, this legendary terrain delivers all the necessary challenges of a World Championship course while embracing the history and culture that define the XTERRA event experience.

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Taking place from July 11-12, 2025, this event will mark a historic moment in XTERRA’s trail-running legacy, once again bringing together the best age-division runners from around the world for a true championship challenge—one that embodies the spirit of the TRWS: adventure, community, and exploration.

Even if you’re not chasing regional titles or a World Championship slot, the TRWS points and rankings system lets you see how you measure up against runners in your division worldwide. Points are awarded in the Trail Marathon and Half Trail Marathon at all Gold and Silver events, with leaders rising to the top through longer and more frequent races.

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The system rewards runners based on race distance, performance within their age division, and the strength of the competition. An additional factor increases points based on the number of TRWS races completed in a season.

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See who led the way in 2024 here, with 2025 still a clean slate as we wait for the first of the Gold and Silver races.

The XTERRA Trail Run calendar features a number of bucket-list races across Gold, Silver, and Standard tiers, each offering a unique level of competition and prestige. Gold events are the pinnacle, delivering top-tier competition, maximum slots and ranking points, and the highest level of race experience. Silver events provide strong competition, slots, and series points on a slightly smaller scale. Standard events focus on accessibility and community, serving as the perfect entry point for newcomers to experience the XTERRA spirit. Every race is worth the challenge, but these Gold level events each fall into the must-race-once category. 

XTERRA Asia-Pacific Trail Run Championship

Mar 27-30, 2025

Heading down under to Australia's Meelup Regional Park, the 2025 APAC Champions will earn their crowns across a diverse mix of technical trails, 4WD tracks, and sandy coastal trails that wind through wildflower-lined routes, past secluded beaches and granite outcrops, with stunning views across Geographe Bay. 

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XTERRA Trail des Balcons d’Azur

Apr 12-13, 2025‍

Set against the backdrop of the French Riviera, the XTERRA Trail des Balcons d’Azur takes runners through the rugged trails of the Estérel Massif. The course winds through striking red rock formations, offering sweeping views of the Mediterranean while tackling technical climbs and fast descents. With a mix of rocky ridges, forested paths, and sun-drenched coastal vistas, this race is as scenic as it is challenging. 

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XTERRA Paipa Trail Run

May 24-25, 2025

‍Nestled in the heart of Colombia, the XTERRA Paipa Trail Run is a journey through lush Andean landscapes. The course features rolling hills, verdant forests, and serene lakeside paths, providing a diverse run from start to finish as runners will navigate a mix of single-track trails and open fields, all set against the backdrop of Paipa's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

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XTERRA Deadwood Mickelson Trail Run

May 31 - Jun 1, 2025

‍A run that comes with all the historic allure of South Dakota. Following the famed Mickelson Trail, runners take on the converted railroad paths that meander through pine forests, across rustic bridges, and alongside babbling brooks. The gentle gradients and well-maintained trails make it an attractive run for those hunting PRs, while the expansive views of the Black Hills provide a picturesque setting for those in it for the history and adventure.

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XTERRA Tahiti Trail Run

Jun 13-15, 2025

‍The ultimate challenge in the tropical paradise of French Polynesia. The course leads runners through dense jungles, along pristine beaches, and up volcanic ridges, showcasing the island's dramatic landscapes. The humid climate and varied terrain will make runners work for it, but the reward will be worth it with an unforgettable adventure in a bucket-list location.

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XTERRA Garmin Mountain Festival

Jun 27-29, 2025‍

Set in the majestic Swiss Alps, the XTERRA Garmin Mountain Festival is an inclusive celebration of mountain sports, with the trail run being a feature highlight. Runners will tackle high-altitude trails that weave through alpine meadows, past glacial lakes, and over rugged peaks. The combination of steep ascents, technical sections, and breathtaking vistas makes this race a true test of endurance.

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XTERRA Comapedrosa Skyrace

Jul 26-27, 2025

‍Located in the principality of Andorra, the XTERRA Comapedrosa Skyrace challenges runners with its high-altitude course on the slopes of the Pyrenees. The route includes steep climbs, sharp ridgelines, and technical descents, culminating in a summit of Comapedrosa, the country's highest peak. Not for the faint of heart, this race is tailored for those seeking a rigorous mountain running experience with panoramic views stretching across the horizon.

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XTERRA Dolomiti di Brenta Trail

Sep 6, 2025‍

A journey into Italy's staggering Dolomite Mountains. The course navigates through UNESCO World Heritage sites, featuring dramatic limestone cliffs, verdant valleys, and serene alpine pastures. Those up for the challenge will tackle a mix of technical trails and fast, runnable sections, all while being enveloped by the jaw-dropping beauty of Italy’s most dramatic mountain range.

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XTERRA Trail Vallee de Joux

TBD, 2025

‍Set in the picturesque Jura Mountains of Switzerland, the XTERRA Trail Vallee de Joux offers a signature blend of forested trails and open ridgelines. The route takes runners around the tranquil Lac de Joux, through dense woodlands, and over rolling hills. The varied terrain and the region's natural charm make for the perfect blend of challenge and adventure.

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XTERRA O-SEE Ultra Trail

TBD, 2025

‍Hosted in Germany's Zittau Mountains, the XTERRA O-SEE Ultra Trail presents a course that combines dense forests, rocky outcrops, and serene lakeshores. Runners will take on technical singletrack, challenging ascents, and swift descents, all while experiencing the rich biodiversity and historical landmarks of the region. This race is renowned for its community spirit and the warm hospitality of the O-SEE community.

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XTERRA Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Trail Run

Oct 25-26, 2025

‍A race that made big waves in 2024. The course winds through the iconic towering sandstone pillars of China's Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, taking runners through dense forests, and alongside pristine streams in a setting that can sometimes feel unreal. The unique terrain, made famous by its depiction in the Avatar film, coupled with some hefty elevation, delivers both a visual feast and a challenging adventure. 

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XTERRA European Trail Run Championship

Nov 8, 2025‍

A race dripping in culture and history, the European Championship is set to take place at Montserrat Natural Park on the 1,000-year anniversary of Montserrat Monastery. Trails wind through rocky outcrops and dense Mediterranean forest, with panoramic views stretching across Catalonia as runners vie for the regional title in their division.

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XTERRA Taihu Trail Run (Suzhou)

Dec 6-5, 2025

‍An unforgettable blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage for local and traveling athletes alike. The course meanders through classical Chinese gardens, alongside the expansive Taihu Lake, and into lush tea plantations. The course delivers a mix of paved paths and natural trails, all set against the backdrop of Suzhou's historic charm and scenic landscapes.

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Check the Trail Run World Series schedule, plan your calendar, and get ready to run. With nearly 50 events spanning jungles, deserts, mountains, and coastlines, the series offers the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure experience. Fueled by a vibrant community and a shared thirst for adventure, the TRWS is defined by a single line: Together, we explore.