It’s also “go-time” in the Southern Hemisphere, where the XTERRA Family will once again gather near the base of the Andes Mountains in San Juan, Argentina where temps are mild, humidity is low, and the scenery is spectacular.

Here’s a look at the splendid assortment of XTERRA Events on-tap this April…

APRIL 1-2, XTERRA ARGENTINA

San Juan is surrounded by two magnificent mountain ranges that reach heights of six thousand meters above sea level, higher than even the highest mountains in Europe.

The breathtaking venue in the Andean foothills, with its headquarters at Ullum Dam, hosts a plethora of endurance events over the weekend including open water swims, trail races, 30 & 60K mountain bike races, and of course, the famous XTERRA Argentina off-road triathlon.

After her victory in 2019, XTERRA pro and former Olympian Fabiola Corona fro Mexico said the bike course was like, “Disneyland for mountain bikers, with ramps and whoops that go up and down like a roller coaster.”

San Juan is a huge wine production region, and visitors rave that the local Malbec is the best they’ve ever tasted.  The destination is also known for its warm and genuine South American hospitality.

"It’s a beautiful country with the friendliest people, and the course is majestic,” said Chuck Fortier, an age group stand-out from Canada after his visit in 2018.

APRIL 9, XTERRA MALTA

The first of 18 events in 10 countries on the 2022 XTERRA European Tour takes place on one of the most beautiful island nations in the Mediterranean on April 9.

This year’s race is an age-group focused event, providing a great opportunity for amateurs to qualify for Worlds and collect some early season points towards winning tour titles at the same time. Full EU Rules Here.

Well beyond the race, the Maltese Islands are an incredible place to explore, rich in history and culture, and home to the one-and-only Popeye Village!

“While the beautiful beaches and rugged nature reserves are some of the most scenic spots in the world, Malta’s archaeological and historical setting makes it a haven for travelers interested in how civilization shaped the way we live,” explained Race Director, Nathan Farrugia.

“Interestingly, Malta’s neolithic temples are older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids. Malta has been the melting pot of Greek, Roman, Norman, Anglo-Saxon, British and Italian civilizations, but is perhaps best known for the Knights of Malta, who fought off the invading Ottoman Empire in the 15th century, in the living monument cities of Valletta and Mdina.”

The XTERRA Malta race itself covers every aspect of what makes the Mediterranean the sought-after destination that it is, from the swim in the crystal blue sea of the Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, to the bike and run courses that traverse two nature reserves, The Majjistral and the Gnejna Plateau.

If you can’t make it to Malta in April, look ahead to the XTERRA Malta Gozo 50km/21km/11km Trail Runs on May 7 or the XTERRA Comino Swim-Run on September 21.

APRIL 16-17, XTERRA GREECE

Vouliagmeni, a spectacular seaside suburb of Athens and site of the 2004 Olympic triathlon, has been thrilling XTERRA racers before, during, and after the event itself since 2015.

Pay a visit to the Parthenon and Acropolis, climb to the top of Mount Lycabettus, roam around the only stadium in the world made entirely out of marble … it’s all in a day’s worth of exploring when you go to XTERRA Greece.

Past participants say it was worth the trip just to sample the local cuisine, with neat little bistros and restaurants serving up delicacies like moussaka and pastitsio, not to mention mouth-watering Greek ice cream for dessert.

And then there is the race itself, full of challenge and beauty, offering a fascinating mix of city charm and grueling, steep climbs in the hills overlooking the sea.

XTERRA Greece is the first prize paying race for elites in Europe this year, so expect to see the sports’ biggest stars. Of course, it’s open for amateurs as well and makes for an ideal family retreat with swims, aquathlons, and a whole set of races for the kids including lazer runs, moving chess, and even ‘slow’ bike racers where the longest time wins!

APRIL 23-24, XTERRA ATX

ATX, aka Austin, Texas, the Live Music Capital of the World, is not-surprisingly also home to one of the most fun XTERRA experiences in the U.S.

First off, the course is cool.  Pace Bend Park, which is about 40 minutes outside downtown Austin, is in the middle of Texas Hill Country on Lake Travis. It’s got steep bluffs, limestone ledges, challenging rock gardens, tough climbs, technical drop-offs, and lots of fast, flowing trails in between.

Even better than the course is the laid-back vibe, a “family picnic atmosphere” nourished over the years by Joel Grimmet, the race director, and dozens upon dozens of the most supportive humans you could ever meet.

“It seems to attract people who care about people and how others are doing in life, not just sport,” explained Jeanne Hoffman.  “We care about people whether they come in first place or last. Top of your game or injured. Whether you fit in your wetsuit or not this year.”

So if you’re headed to ATX this year, plan on sticking around afterwards, enjoy the atmosphere and catch up with old friends, or make some new ones!  And head back to the park on Sunday for the half-marathon or 10.5K trail runs.

APRIL 24, XTERRA WELLINGTON TRAIL SERIES #1

It’s on! The COVID-tide has turned, and the XTERRA Wellington Trail Run Series has got the green light to go (so long as you have a vaccine pass and NZ is under Red, Orange, or Green level restrictions).

The first of five races in the Series starts at XTERRA McKerrow’s Revenge, “an epic example of how close Wellington is to tracks you never knew existed,” says Race Director, Bengy Barasanti.

There are three distances to choose from, 6, 12, and 16-kilometers.

“Short Course Runners and Walkers run on high-quality trails with a mix of bush, river valley, and open areas while long and medium course runners add in a solid climb up to the very best native bush and technical running we have in the Series,” said Barasanti.