Originally published at: XTERRA World Championship Back in US for 30th Anniversary in 2026 - Slowtwitch News
Ever since it began in 1996, the XTERRA brand had always seemed synonymous with its world championship event held every year in Hawaii in late October. In 2022, though, the company “moved from its spiritual home of Maui to the iconic Dolomites of Italy as part of XTERRA’s new commitment to rotate the location of the event between countries around the world.” Starting that year the world championship race was held in the village of Molveno in the Trentino region in the Italian Alps, “beneath the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Brenta Dolomites.”
“Our vision is to rotate XTERRA Worlds through all continents, from Europe to Asia, Africa and the Americas,” J-D Cousens, XTERRA VP of Operations & Global Marketing, said at the time. In a story posted on the Slowtwitch site at the time, Dan Empfield wrote:
More XTERRA athletes and more iconic XTERRA race courses are in Europe, so the move to Trentino for the 2022 Championship is logical. The success of XTERRA’s events drove World Triathlon to acknowledge the format, which the world governing body calls Cross Triathlon.
The race will be in Molveno again this year, but will be heading back to the US to celebrate the 30th anniversary event in 2026. Next year’s race will be held in Ruidoso, New Mexico, from October. 8 to 11, 2026.
“Set in the majestic Lincoln National Forest at over 6,900 feet (2,100 meters) elevation the iconic event will bring athletes back to XTERRA’s roots with trails winding through alpine forests, steep mountain climbs, and technical descents, offering competitors an authentic frontier experience in the American Southwest.
Ruidoso will host the world championship race for three years – 2026 to 2028.
“This is a tremendous honor for our mountain community and a testament to the natural beauty and challenging terrain that makes our area so special,” Village of Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford said in a press release. “We’re ready for the world stage as a premier destination for outdoor adventure sports as we welcome outdoor enthusiasts from around the globe to experience our trails, our hospitality, and the unique spirit of Ruidoso.”
The race weekend will include elite and age group racing, along with the Youth World Championship. There will also be “activities designed to celebrate Ruidoso’s rich cultural heritage and community resilience.”