The XTERRA World Tour is a premier off-road triathlon series, offering both elite and amateur cross-triathletes the opportunity to compete on some of the world’s most idyllic yet demanding natural terrains. From the rugged landscapes of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, to the untamed trails of the Americas and Asia Pacific, athletes face off within their age divisions for the chance to earn a coveted slot to the invite-only XTERRA World Championship.
All XTERRA World Tour races, aside from the World Championship, are open to athletes with adequate experience in open-water swimming, mountain biking, and trail running to meet the demands of an XTERRA Full Distance Triathlon. Each of these races serves as a World Championship qualifier, where top performing age division athletes are rewarded with slots to the annual XTERRA World Championship.
World Tour races offer a minimum of either 28 or 58 slots, depending on the event's status and whether it takes place in the World Championship host country. Only those who have earned their slot on the trails of the World Tour will be given the chance to compete against the world’s best to claim their place in the 2026 class of World Champions.
XTERRA uses official age divisions at every World Tour and Youth Tour qualifying race to recognise top athletes in each category and award slots to the XTERRA World Championship. Divisions are determined based on the athlete’s age as of December 31 of the event year.
Elite:
Athletes aged 18 and above who meet XTERRA’s elite performance requirements. Once registered in the Elite category, these athletes are eligible for prize money at World Tour events.
Youth:
Athletes aged 14-19 compete in the Youth Tour, divided into three categories: Youth A for ages 14-15, Youth B for ages 16-17, and Junior for ages 18-19.
Age Group Athletes:
Athletes compete within their age group, broken into the following divisions: 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, and 80+.
Physically Challenged:
Open to athletes with visual, physical, or neurological impairments.
The XTERRA World Tour runs from February to November, with events generally held around the same time each year to allow athletes to plan their season and book tentative travel plans. Once any unconfirmed dates are finalised, announcements will be made via XTERRA communication channels, but check in regularly with the list below to stay updated.
As the pinnacle of off-road triathlon, the XTERRA World Championship is an exclusive, invite-only event where only those who have earned their slot can compete for the coveted title of XTERRA World Champion within their division. In 2026, the world’s best off-road athletes will gather in Ruidoso, New Mexico, to face an entirely new challenge on high-altitude trails carved through the mountains and forests of the Sierra Blanca range.
Marking the beginning of a new era, Ruidoso becomes just the third location to hold the honour of hosting the sport’s biggest stage, welcoming the world to connect and compete on a course defined by elevation, challenge, and raw natural beauty. This landmark edition celebrates 30 years of adventure since the first pioneers stood on the shores of Maui and set the journey in motion, laying the roots for a global community that now spans every corner of the globe. This is XTERRA’s greatest day, returning to its continental home to honour the past and shape the future of a sport born to explore.
For detailed information on age groups, slot allocation, and event rules, please visit the XTERRA World Championship Rules and Information page.
XTERRA is a global lifestyle brand that champions the outdoor enthusiast in their pursuit of relentless adventure.
.svg)
.svg)
