XTERRA Trail Run Adventures: May ‘24

When the XTERRA Trail Run World Series (TRWS) was reimagined and reshaped at the end of the 2022 season, the goal was to connect XTERRA’s global trail run community under a single umbrella, offering runners the opportunity to explore some of the most epic and invigorating trails the world over. With every race serving as a qualifier, the series would culminate in a dedicated World Championship designed to celebrate the best trail runners from around the globe and the shared spirit of the XTERRA Trail Run Community. 

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2023 saw the first full season of the TRWS, with races around the world leading to the first-ever qualification-only Trail Run World Championship in Maine, USA. It was Rachel Tomajczyk and Andy Wacker who led the age division winners of the Trail Run Half Marathon Championship, while Mason Coppi and Caitlin Patterson led the first-ever class of Full Trail Marathon World Champions.

Looking forward to the next World Champs, the goal now shifts to adding new trails to the series and bringing more passionate runners into the fold. In May we’ll see that happen for a fourth time this year when XTERRA Colombia invites the trail running community to explore the historical town of Paipa and the eastern side of the Andes Mountain Range. Making its all-time debut on the XTERRA circuit, Colombia follows Puerto Rico, Chile, and Australia as the fourth of several new locations added to the Trail Run Series this year.

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With each new trail added, the TRWS moves a step closer to growing the diversity of the pinnacle event when the Trail Run World Championship returns to Maine, USA, in September this year. 

One of the most idyllic runs in the region, the XTERRA Gozo Trail Run is a gorgeous circumnavigation of the island that leads runners through cliff-edge singletrack, lush valleys, seaside salt pans, sandy beaches, clay slopes and the signature rocky terrain of Gozo. Three distances are on offer, each giving runners the opportunity to experience the breathtaking scenery the Mediterranean has to offer in a single race. 

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The 21K course takes runners across the scenic west coast of Gozo, with no less than 650m+ of elevation gain. The climbing begins just after the famous 1K stretch of salt pans through the traditional fishing village of Marsalforn, heading into the steep clay slopes that hug the coastline. After the quad-challenging hills, the trail continues along the Blue Flag sandy beach and onto country paths and through rural villages before exiting onto the rocky bay of Hondoq for some mild bouldering and cliff-edge trails before heading to the finish.

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The 52K Marathon is a unique race which circumnavigates the entire island of Gozo. Starting off with views of Malta, the trail turns towards the direction of Sicily (sometimes visible on very clear days) and finishes off with a spectacular sight of the famous Blue Lagoon in Comino. Racking up around 1,400m+ of elevation, the course starts off nice and easy over flat white rocks and country paths before the first major climb in Xlendi leads runners to a high viewpoint overlooking a scenic cove. The trail then heads through some valleys and sea-edge trails to Dwejra before a coastline run along the historic salt pans which joins up with the start of the 21K.

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The 13K offers the perfect opportunity for first timers to get involved in an event that has fostered an incredible vibe and atmosphere over the years, with a large local community who stick around long after the race is over, enjoying the refreshments, cheering each other on, relaxing, catching-up and celebrating each other's achievements.

XTERRA Nouvelle Aquitaine will celebrate 5 years of XTERRA racing with significant milestones as this year it will not only be the triathletes getting their World Championship slots. The beauty and culture intertwined within Vassivière Lake and the surrounding area has made XTERRA Nouvelle Aquitaine one of the long-running staples of the EMEA Triathlon Tour, attracting former and current champions to battle it out through vineyards, forests, and open trails since its debut in 2018.

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This year marks the first year the event will feature on the Trail Run World Series, with both a Half and Full Trail Marathon set to give runners a full taste of why Nouvelle Aquitaine and trail sports go hand in hand.

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The 42K Full Marathon and 25K Half each promise an unforgettable racing experience, serving up lake and mountain panoramas on trails that wind through lush woods, challenging rocky sections and even the old mining site of the industrial past. Around 700m+ of elevation await those taking on the Half, while 1600m+ will stand in the way of those lining up for the Full Marathon. 

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Only 56 World Championship slots are at stake between both races, meaning those looking to compete in Maine will need to lead the race in their division across the line.

XTERRA Japan Nenouekogen brings all the mystique and beauty of the Japanese highlands into a jam-packed weekend of XTERRA racing, where trail runners will share an electric atmosphere with off-road triathletes and duathletes in a 2-day, 10-race festival just an hour from Nagoya. Of the 10 races throughout the weekend, no less than 4 will be dedicated to the Trail Run Community. 

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The 32K Half Marathon serves as the only World Champs qualifier of the 4 trail run races, with only 28 slots available. Those looking to claim the coveted slots will need to lead their division through the 2-loop course that winds between 3 small lakes in the area. Plenty of flat lakeside stretches will allow the speedsters to open up, but one climb in particular will test the legs of just about every athlete on each of the 2 loops. 

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A 16K, 6K, and a 3K make up the rest of the trail running, all happening on the second day of the event. With multiple distances offered across all disciplines, XTERRA Japan Nenouekogen has built its foundations on community spirit and the shared love of trails, with everybody encouraged to get in on the action and experience the picturesque trails of Japan.

The XTERRA Tahiti Trail Run is shaping up to be the biggest in the history of the event on the stunning island of Moorea. Featuring the first-ever Ultra in French Polynesia, the new looping format allows runners to choose to run 25K, 50K, 75K, or aim for the epic 100K. 

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The format involves all runners starting together in the dark of night on a loop of 50K. The first rest stop provides the first exit point for those happy to call it a day (or night) after 25K. Those looking to push on will then complete the 50K loop where they’ll be faced with the next decision of whether to claim the 50K bragging rights or aim high and shoot for an impressive 75K. This will be the point of no return for those who choose to remain in the race, with the few brave enough to race on holding the honour of finishing the first 100K Ultra in French Polynesia.

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The trails on Moorea are challenging, with lots of obstacles that require technical skills in a natural environment of wild jungle, steep ascents and descents, slippery roots and rocks, and false flats. The technicality combined with the unparalleled scenery makes it one of the most compelling trail run events of the region, and also one of the top bucket-list race-cations of the season.

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For those not looking to rack up big numbers, there is also a 12K, 3K, and even a 1K because it’s never too early to experience the joy of running on trails.

May ends with a milestone moment as XTERRA Colombia makes its debut, adding another race for the growing community of XTERRA athletes in South America. The 2-day inaugural event will open with trail runners taking centre stage on the trails surrounding the historical town of Paipa, before the triathletes take their turn the following day to earn their place at the World Championship.

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The course is perfect for trail running enthusiasts and a fantastic way to discover the natural wonders of Colombia. With winding paths through lush forests, scenic top-views of Paipa, and various technical terrains including singletracks and challenging hills, the 21K Half Marathon and the 10K Trail Run both offer an unforgettable adventure on the eastern side of the Andes Mountain Range.

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A total of 116 World Championship slots will be available in the 2-loop, 21K Half Marathon. Starting along the tranquil shores of Lake Sochagota to get the legs warmed up, the race then ascends with a quad-testing climb through lush forest with glimpses of Columbia’s natural beauty at every turn. Once the hill has been conquered, runners will head into a fast descent along stunning singletrack trails and flat trails around the lake before taking on the mighty hill once more. 

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The team behind the event is excited to bring XTERRA racing to Paipa, and offer travelling athletes the opportunity to explore the unique history, ancestral culture, and local cuisine of the town of the region. Alongside the 21K and 10K trail runs will be Full Distance Triathlon, an XC MTB Race, and the Run4Kids race to get the little ones in on the action when XTERRA Colombia officially becomes part of the XTERRA World Tour and Trail Run World Series.