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On Saturday, July 12, the 2025 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship—alongside the 10K, Half Marathon, Marathon, and Ultra distances—was halted mid-race due to extreme heat and growing safety concerns across Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). While the mountain races could not continue, the XTERRA community came together in Llanberis to reflect, connect, and celebrate what the day still had to offer.

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The decision to stop the races was made in close consultation with mountain leaders and local rescue authorities—not only based on what was happening on our course, but as part of a broader regional response. Five outdoor events were taking place across North Wales that same weekend, all facing similar weather-related challenges. The unseasonal heat placed immense strain on rescue and medical services, and as teams reached capacity, it became clear that safeguarding the wider community—athletes, volunteers, emergency personnel, and local residents—had to take priority over continuing the competition.

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Some athletes may have felt capable of pushing through, but this was never about individual strength or willpower. It was about collective responsibility. Many older runners, for example, faced heightened risk of cardiac events under these conditions, and regional teams needed to be able to respond swiftly to all calls for assistance—not just on our mountain, but across multiple sites.

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In moments like this, there are rarely simple answers. Early forecasts had suggested that summit temperatures would remain within a manageable range, so the decision was made to proceed—with caution and constant monitoring. However, conditions shifted quickly. Clear skies, rising heat, and limited shade led to base temperatures in Llanberis surpassing 28°C, with high humidity compounding the risk. As the situation intensified and regional resources became increasingly stretched, we acted decisively to pause the races—because doing so was the right thing for everyone.

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Had the event been canceled before the start, many would have understandably felt disappointed after all their preparation. By halting the races partway through, some were still left frustrated. These are the difficult realities of organizing outdoor events in unpredictable mountain environments. We hope that, even in moments of personal disappointment, there’s recognition of the bigger picture—and of the responsibility we carry to care not only for every athlete, but also for the volunteers, medics, and communities who make these experiences possible.

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Thanks to the swift coordination of mountain leaders, volunteers, and event staff, all runners were brought back safely to Llanberis, where they were welcomed with support, cool drinks, and encouragement.

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And what followed proved that this event was never just about racing—it was about the people. In Llanberis, smiles and stories filled the awards dinner, where World Championship titles were awarded and special honors were given in recognition of perseverance and heart. As Half Marathon World Champion Katrina Entwistle (GBR) shared, “Everyone was just so, so friendly. It was such a big race, you don’t expect it, but the support was incredible. Everyone gives you encouragement. It was so lovely and so well organized.”

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Another attendee put it simply: “You come here and you feel welcome. Everybody welcomes you. It’s just a big family. It’s like seeing friends you haven’t seen in a long time, and now we’re all together having a nice time.”

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Jonny Leng added, “Firstly, regardless of how the day ended, it was a good event. The community stuck together and looked after each other. The volunteers were wonderful — it couldn’t have worked without them.”

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Steve Bott reflected, “On a very difficult day for runners and organizers alike, I just want to thank the organizers for canceling the race at Pen Y Fan once it became clear runners were being affected by heat exhaustion. Thanks also to all the runners who looked out for and encouraged each other around the course. Proud to be part of such a wonderful community.”

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To every runner, volunteer, mountain leader, and rescue team—thank you. Your understanding, quick actions, and care for one another turned a challenging day into something meaningful, and a true reflection of the XTERRA spirit.

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XTERRA has never been about the finish line alone. It’s about protecting the trails, respecting those who make the journey possible, and standing together—especially when nature reminds us who’s in charge.

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Thank you for being part of the XTERRA family. We’ll see you back on the trails—stronger, wiser, and always together.

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The XTERRA Team