To the Ones We Ran For: Voices of 2025 Trail Run World Champions

The world’s best off-road runners gathered in the shadow of Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon) in Wales for the 16th edition of the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship. For the first time in history, the event was held on European soil. In Eryri National Park, peaks shaped by time and trails carved by glaciers have carried many stories. This will forever be one of them.

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The cool summer mist unexpectedly turned into a demanding battle against rare and unseasonal heat. The sun came out hard and stayed high, transforming an already tough course into something even more challenging. Decisions were made to halt the races mid-way due to rising temperatures and growing safety concerns, with support from local rescue teams, medical staff, and mountain leaders. What emerged from the valleys and ridgelines was respect for nature and for the community that came together to support each other, to put safety first, and to celebrate the effort it took from everyone.

There were signs of courage in motion, quiet acts of care, and a shared purpose that carried through the day. The people featured here represent various age groups as they led their divisions to championship titles. Some crossed the line first. Some had no idea they had won until their name was read aloud at the awards. Many gave voice to their journey, and this story honors every one of them.

Who They Ran For

Dedication gets talked about often in sport, but the quiet truth each runner carried with them was something more personal. Someone they thought about when it got hard. The ones they ran for when they didn’t know if they could take another step.

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Across the mountain and down through the valley, these stories took shape like the trails beneath them. Some raced with names written on their arms. Others kept them tucked inside. At the awards celebration, when their names were announced, many talked about who helped them get through it. The ones who shared the weight and the victory.

Half Marathon Overall Champions

The 21K Trail Half Marathon began and ended in Llanberis, weaving more than a thousand meters upward through misty valleys, sharp ascents, and ancient slate quarries, before dropping back down to the cheers and cowbells of a crowd waiting at the finish. 

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Sergi Beltran Font (ESP) [M30–34] and Katrina Entwistle (GBR) [F30–34], claimed the top overall times in the men’s and women’s races. Sergi dedicated every kilometer to Álex, a five-year-old boy living with a rare neurodevelopmental disorder called MAND. He also added, “I want to thank the organization and the volunteers who made a difficult day unforgettable.”

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“Everyone was just so friendly,” said Katrina who also thought of her partner. “He supports me in all my races and is the Chef in our household. Without him I would be one hangry runner!”

First Times and Fresh Starts

Some arrived in Llanberis for the first time, others with fresh perspective, but all of them left as world champions in their age group. It was proof that beginnings and breakthroughs can happen at any stage.

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Pearce Brezmen (AUS) [M20–24], the reigning Asia-Pacific Trail Run Champion, looked to the roots of his journey. “To my parents, who support me in every event they can, and by providing a brilliantly located home in the Perth hills where trail running is possible.”

Ryan Swanepoel (ZAF) [M18–19] made his international debut one to remember. “My body had taken a serious knock from the heat during the event. My aunt came over and told me my overall position — I was in complete shock. All glory to God.”

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Martin Tighe (GBR) [M65–69] found joy in the full experience. “The activities and entertainment were awesome. The true essence of XTERRA is the journey itself: preparing for the starting line, meeting new friends, and embracing the diverse group of participants.” He dedicated his race to Morris Jefferson, a former elite athlete and record holder who devoted his life to coaching after injury.

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Marie Savry-Cattan (FRA) [F25–29] shared her victory with the people and pup who lifted her every step of the way. “To my boyfriend Théodore, my coach Nicolas, my training partners Célia and Lucas, my friends Agathe and Jihane who supported me in Llanberis — and finally, to my dog Gaïa, my best training partner who’s always happy to run with me!”

Moments of Strength

These moments weren’t defined by finish times alone. They reflected the strength of a wider community, with families, friends, coaches, and supporters just as much a part of the journey as those out on the course.

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Severine Guerif (FRA) [F50–54] defended her world title with a run fueled by purpose. “I dedicate it to Stop Cancer in Our Children. I'm lucky to be here after my cancer, and I have to use this energy to support causes that matter more than performance.” She also honored Christophe Loiseau (FRA) [M60–64], her training partner who raced beside her. “He's my driving force every day.”

Annick Pfetzinger (FRA) [F60–64] carried a powerful memory across the finish line. “When I realized I was a world champion, I saw myself in my hospital bed, exactly five years ago. I had just had a complete breast removal, following cancer. So, what a revenge on life to be there in Llanberis with friends.” Her thoughts of appreciation were for all women, and especially her grandchildren.

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Sofiane Bessadi (FRA) [M45–49] and Cyril Caillaud (FRA) [M50–54] both crossed the line with everything they had left. “I threw my last strength into the battle until the finish line, carried by the encouragement of the public and the volunteers,” said Bessadi, who dedicated the effort to his family, Menton Marathon Athletics, coaches Richard and Christophe, and his training partners. For Caillaud, it was “an incredible mix of joy and satisfaction,” a moment he also shared with his family and everyone who trained alongside him.

Gabriela Calderón Rojas (CRI) [F35–39] experienced the full depth of the journey. “I saw firsthand how the power of the mind can transcend our own limits. I’m grateful to the organizers for creating such a special, humane, and well-curated event.” She ran with gratitude for everyone who shaped her process and especially for the uplifting support of her family and friends.

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Beth Chisholm (CAN) [F70–74] described the flood of emotion she felt when the title became hers. “All the hard work and training paid off, and what an honor to be representing my home country Canada in one of the most special places in the world.”

Shared Journeys

Yvette Ballesteros (MEX) [F45–49] crossed the line thinking of the team that made it all possible. “My husband, Xavier Mendez, is the reason I run like I do, he never lets me stop pushing! And my kids, who were our support crew that day!”

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Morgan Moison (FRA) [M35–39] ran for those who see him at every step. “To my wife and our two children, who support and encourage me every day in my passion.”

Caroline Rebmann (FRA) [F55–59] ran with her community in mind. “To my teammates from TeamFZ and Dabo, who train with me whether it snows, rains, or is windy in the Moselle Vosges. To my children Eva, Judith, and Matthieu — I think I passed on the trail bug. And to Bertrand, who ran the marathon and organized the trip to Wales!”

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Michèle Wackenheim (FRA) [F40–44] shared the course with her husband, who joined her after the first few kilometers. “We kept a good pace without being too intense, took in the sights, and exchanged a few nice words with other trail runners — it was a great time.” She thanked her coaches Romain Kremer and Marc Jaming, and the friends who continue to cheer her on. “I happily took the encouragement of my children who were waiting for us at the edge of the lake and the evening helped me understand what had really happened — we had a great time talking with the other athletes, hearing their stories. It was really powerful.”

Full Marathon Overall Champions

The 44K Trail Marathon delivered over 1,600 meters of climbing through steep ascents, remote valleys, and long stretches of exposed ridgelines. Runners followed a point-to-point route that rose toward the iconic Finger Stone before dropping back down alongside the historic railway into Llanberis. It was the ultimate test of strength and perseverance at the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship.

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Sam Macaulay (NZL) [M30–34] and Jemima Farley (GBR) [F40–44] recorded the top overall performances in the men’s and women’s races. “Turning into the finish chute and seeing the XTERRA tape being raised ahead of me, that was an awesome feeling, and the moment it really sank in that I’d done it,” said Sam. “I’d like to dedicate this win to my wife, Grace, who sacrifices a lot to support me. She travelled up to Wales from London after finishing her shift at the hospital, where she works as a children's doctor, to support me at the XTERRA World Championship. Then just a couple of hours after seeing me cross the line, she was back on a train to London again to work night shifts all weekend. Her support means the world.”

“I would like to dedicate this race to my youngest son Reuben, who is five,” said Jemima. “He had reminded me earlier in the week about a race I had dropped out of in late May. ‘Mummy, do you remember that race when you gave up?’ he told me. I thought of him every time I was finding it hard and struggling during the race, which made me keep going and show him that I was not going to give up this time.”

Lifted by Loved Ones

This World Championship belonged not only to the ones on the course, but to the ones who packed the bags, set the alarms, and believed from the start. They were part of every step. This was their moment too.

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Thibaut Jonval (FRA) [M25–29] honored those who’ve stood beside him in every sense. “This victory is for my fellow soldiers from the 1st Infantry Regiment, my family, everyone who joins me on training runs, and all those who support me along the way. I also dedicate it to my grandmother, who passed away last year and now watches over me.”

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Xavier Nesi (FRA) [M45–49] turned his championship weekend into something more. “My wife and daughter are my biggest supporters and joined me for this trip to Llanberis, turning this World Championship into a beautiful family adventure.” He also expressed appreciation to Jean-Claude Tanguy and the company IREAS for their support.

Claudia Vira (USA) [F25–29] traced her championship back to a simple invitation. “To my brother, Matthew, and sister-in-law, Danika, who convinced me to run XTERRA New Jersey. Without them, I wouldn’t have made it to Wales!”

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David Haunschmidt (NZL) [M35–39] balances a full-time career as an emergency medicine doctor with his love for racing. “I love to race in new places and have new experiences.” He shared his gratitude with his partner, Amanda. “She is usually my support team at these events. Dedication and utmost thanks to her for sacrificing the time to support me.”

A Deeper Appreciation

Some champions walked away not just with honors, but with a renewed clarity of what matters most.

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Tinka Vinks (NLD) [F30–34] had local knowledge on her side, but the conditions brought a new kind of challenge. “This was a local race for me — I live in North Wales — so I knew exactly what to expect in terms of the course, but this heat was rare.” Her takeaway was simple: “Safety is more important.”

Tasman Charteris-Wright (NZL) [F20–24] found strength in shared passion. “To my partner, Cameron — trail running is a big passion of both of ours and a way we live to explore and connect together.” She also thanked her family for being there to support her on the day. “The awards dinner followed what had been a very challenging day for athletes, volunteers and organisers, but a day full of great memories and moments of a community coming together.”

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Emily Harrison (GBR) [F35–39] gave thanks to those who made the race possible. “To all the volunteers and paramedics, the St John’s Ambulance team who helped to keep everyone safe whilst all the races were going on. They always greeted us at the aid stations with a smile. The offer of a squirt in the face with a hosepipe at one point was gratefully received!”

The Joy of the Moment

From emotional breakthroughs to shared celebrations, these are the champions that brought home memories to last a lifetime.

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Jacqueline Maquin (FRA) [F55–59] soaked in the atmosphere. “As I walked up to the sound of applause, surrounded by so many great athletes and new friends, I felt a great sense of achievement and gratitude. In the crowd was Thierry, my husband, looking so proud of me. I don't think I stopped smiling the whole night.” She shared the experience with her running club, Les Baskets de Seugy, and her Scottish friend Douglas Anderson, who first introduced her to trail running.

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Petra Jerejian (AUS) [F45–49] couldn’t quite believe the moment. “When I got crowned as a World Champion I was absolutely shocked, super happy and over the moon. I was very happy that everyone got back down from the mountains safely and nobody was hurt or injured up there.” She shared the joy with her daughter Anetta, who traveled with her, her husband Rafi and sons Adam and Andreas back home, and her colleagues at Craigie Day Surgery.

Glen Avery (USA) [M75–79] was overcome with emotion. “I was speechless and somewhat teary-eyed. I have already made the decision to return to the event next year.” He shared the moment with his wife, who has supported his running adventures for nearly twenty-four years. “She is my hero.”

Across Generations, Around the World

The XTERRA Trail Run World Series continues to grow, bringing together runners from every corner of the globe who chase something greater than podiums alone. Not everyone left with a title this year, but each athlete moved forward on a path defined by discovery, and love for exploring new trails.

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María Fernanda Medina (PRI) [F25–29] shared the trail with her father, Francisco (Paco) Medina (PRI) [M50–54], turning a world-class race into something far more personal. “I feel incredibly proud to represent Puerto Rico and to experience this alongside my best friend—my dad.”

Federico Ortiz (CRI) [M45–49] described the real reward that made every step worth it. “The views. Amazing views. Every single kilometer, every single meter gained. It's just amazing. That’s why we do these kinds of things. They call us crazy. We call it love. Amazing.” For Federico, running with XTERRA is about more than finish lines. “You have the opportunity to run through the world.”

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This is a long journey, and the opportunity to rise again is always just ahead. The future is bright, and the XTERRA Trail Run World Series will continue to be lifted by its expanding community into fresh places and many more friendly faces