The XTERRA Trail Run World Series invites runners of all levels—from amateur to elite—to connect, explore, and uncover the world’s most scenic and challenging trails. From the tropical paths of Asia-Pacific to Europe’s towering mountain ridges and the sweeping desert landscapes of the USA, this series is a global journey for those who live to explore—one full or half marathon at a time.
The XTERRA Trail Run World Series categorizes its events into Gold, Silver, and Standard tiers, each offering distinct levels of competition, prestige, and reward opportunities.
Gold Events: These are the pinnacle events in the series, delivering the highest level of competition, quality, and exposure. They attract elite athletes, offer an exceptional racing experience, and provide maximum Trail Run World Series points for ranking.
Silver Events: Like Gold events on a slightly smaller scale, Silver events maintain a high standard of competition and organization, drawing strong participants and providing Trail Run World Series points for ranking.
Standard Events: Designed to be more accessible and less competitive, these events cater to a broader range of runners, encouraging greater involvement and enjoyment of the sport. Standard events do not offer Trail Run World Series points but are an excellent entry point for those looking to experience the XTERRA spirit and community.
All event types — Gold, Silver, and Standard — offer qualifying slots for the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship, allowing runners across all tiers and locations to pursue their championship ambitions.
This tiered structure enables runners to select events that best suit their competitive goals and experience levels.
Athletes participating in Gold and Silver tiered races earn TRWS points. These points are awarded based on a variety of factors, and reward both performance and participation. This allows athletes to compete against fellow trail runners around the world, and see where they rank in their age group throughout the season.
For more information on how points are awarded, see the FAQ section on this page.
All Trail Marathons and Trail Half Marathons on the schedule offer slots for the Trail Run World Championship. Gold and Silver events, which offer TRWS points and more slots are highlighted and include the event badge.
The XTERRA Trail Run World Championship is an annual celebration of nature, community, and the spirit of trail running. As a qualification-only event, the World Championship brings together top runners from around the globe to share their passion on select world-renowned trails. Driven by the vibrant community feel that defines the sport, the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship is more than just a race; it’s a gathering for those who find freedom on the trail.
In 2025, the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship heads to Europe for the first time, with Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) in Wales hosting the 16th edition on July 12. Featuring challenging ascents on the iconic Yr Wyddfa (Mt. Snowdon), runners will tackle the Trail Half Marathon and Trail Marathon races against the rugged beauty of Welsh landscapes to determine the next Trail Run World Champion in each age division. Check the race schedule to see where you can earn your qualifying slot and line up with the world’s best in Wales 2025.