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Las Catalinas will once again welcome the XTERRA Community from August 22-24 for a weekend that captures everything unique about off-road triathlon. Set on Costa Rica’s Guanacaste coast, the event combines white-sand beaches, jungle trails, and a car-free town that seems designed for athletes to immerse themselves for the challenge ahead.
The Full Distance Triathlon offers with 28 qualifying spots for age groupers to reach the 2025 or 2026 XTERRA World Championship along with a $7,500 Elite Prize Purse, while the Sprint Triathlon serves as a qualifier for Junior (18-19) and Youth B (16-17) athletes chasing their own dreams on their quest for glory at the Youth World Championship.
The warm waters of Playa Danta, the sweeping singletrack above town, and the cobblestone streets at the finish all come alive under the country’s signature saying, Pura Vida. It means “pure life,” but here it becomes something greater, a shared experience in nature and community. Athletes, families, and locals will celebrate side by side, turning the weekend into both a test of endurance and a lasting memory. When the racing ends, the energy of the competition softens into the tranquil rhythm of the coast, welcoming everyone eager to enjoy the full festival experience.
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XTERRA Costa Rica debuted on March 29, 2014, at Playa Conchal, Guanacaste. Two-time Olympian Leonardo Chacón (CRI) won the men’s race while Shonny Vanlandingham (USA) claimed the women’s crown, marking a historic start for the event.
In 2015 Rom Akerson (CRI) edged out the field and Lesley Paterson (GBR) took the women’s win. The following year Karl Shaw (GBR) and Myriam Guillot-Boisset (FRA) captured victories, before Josiah Middaugh (USA) and Suzie Snyder (USA) prevailed in 2017. The 2018 edition was highlighted by Rom Akerson’s (CRI) second title and Kelli Montgomery (USA) earning her first international XTERRA win.
After a hiatus with XTERRA expanding into new destinations, the action returned to Costa Rica in 2024 at its new home in Las Catalinas. Josiah Middaugh (USA) and Raquel Solís (CRI) stood atop the podium, signaling the start of a new era for Costa Rica’s place on the XTERRA World Tour.
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The Full Distance Triathlon begins in the calm waters of Playa Danta with a 1.5K swim in a sheltered bay framed by jungle hills. Athletes can expect a fast, scenic loop that sets the tone for the day.
From the beach, the 26.2K mountain bike course climbs immediately into the protected dry forest above Las Catalinas. These trails twist through steep climbs, technical descents, and rolling ridgelines with views across the ocean. It is a course that rewards power and skill, demanding constant focus as dirt, rock, and jungle roots alternate beneath the tires.
The 10.4K run delivers a mix of white-sand beaches, shaded singletrack, and rugged forest paths. Athletes will weave through coastal trails before descending into the cobblestone streets of Las Catalinas where crowds gather at the finish. The layout makes it a complete test, one that highlights the natural beauty while ensuring that every challenger earns their moment in history.
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The following is a snapshot of how this weekend feels for each of these competitors:
John Wiygul (USA, Elite) — fresh off XTERRA Ruidoso where he was 3rd Elite and 4th overall, with 4th place Elite finishes at Puerto Rico and the South American Championship earlier this season:
“The world is full of amazing people, and XTERRA Costa Rica is proof of that. I’m excited to experience another incredible venue filled with friendly faces and adventure. The trails here are a dream - flowy dirt, jungle, and rock all woven together into a true off-road playground. It’s pura vida racing, and I can’t wait to dive in.”
Álvaro Campos (CRI, Elite) — 3rd overall at 2024 XTERRA Costa Rica:
“It means a lot to have races with this impact in the sport. Having an XTERRA in Costa Rica is a huge opportunity to race with a high-quality standard event. Also it reunites the triathlon community with a very unique environment. It’s impossible not to get hype at the moment you are at the venue. The trails are amazing, the views are stunning, and it shows again that we, as a country, can have high-level races. The joy and the fun you have in this kind of race is something else!”
Leanne Johnston (CAN, 40–44) — 3rd in her division last year:
“Las Catalinas is the location where I competed in my first triathlon, so that makes it special to me for nostalgic reasons - it’s where I rediscovered my passion for sport and competition. The water in the bay is beautiful, the trails are well maintained and fun, and the town does an excellent job of hosting events. I think choosing Las Catalinas as a location for XTERRA to hold an event is smart. It offers great routes that are both enjoyable and challenging.”
Manuel Huerta (USA, 40–44) — 2nd in his division in 2024:
“XTERRA Costa Rica is special for me because this is where I did my first XTERRA. Las Catalinas is a wonderful place to come with the family and not only race but to enjoy the truly Costa Rica way of life. It has good restaurants, beaches, mountains to hike, bike or run and the people here are great.”
Federico Venegas (CRI, 35–39): 5th overall last year:
“XTERRA Costa Rica is one of the events I enjoy most. The trails, the views, the town of Las Catalinas, and the entire Guanacaste area make it a unique experience. The simplicity of being able to swim, bike, and run in the same environment is something you don’t find many places. The trails are very well designed, with a spectacular flow, and the trail run is technical, challenging, and entertaining. What makes it special is the camaraderie, the atmosphere, and the good vibes.”
Charles Brewer (USA, 65–69) — competitor and developer of Las Catalinas:
“The annual triathlon has been one of the best days of the year at Las Catalinas since 2013. I have always felt like the triathlon weekend shows off humanity at its best. All the healthy people having fun and enjoying both the natural world and the town that we have built is exactly what I always hoped would happen in Las Catalinas. Having it be part of XTERRA, starting last year, makes it even more special.”
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Beyond the headline triathlons, the weekend program at Las Catalinas will feature a full slate of events for every age and level of athlete. The Trail Half Marathon (31.2K) stands out as a qualifier for the 2026 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship. Joining it are the 15.6K and 5.5K trail runs, an open water swim with multiple distances, and kids races ranging from 75 meters to 1 kilometer. The stories shared by athletes make it clear why this stop has become so anticipated. From the natural beauty of the Guanacaste coast to the camaraderie that carries through every step of the trail, XTERRA Costa Rica is where effort and environment elevate each other.
Las Catalinas will once again welcome the XTERRA Community from August 22-24 for a weekend that captures everything unique about off-road triathlon. Set on Costa Rica’s Guanacaste coast, the event combines white-sand beaches, jungle trails, and a car-free town that seems designed for athletes to immerse themselves for the challenge ahead.
The Full Distance Triathlon offers with 28 qualifying spots for age groupers to reach the 2025 or 2026 XTERRA World Championship along with a $7,500 Elite Prize Purse, while the Sprint Triathlon serves as a qualifier for Junior (18-19) and Youth B (16-17) athletes chasing their own dreams on their quest for glory at the Youth World Championship.
The warm waters of Playa Danta, the sweeping singletrack above town, and the cobblestone streets at the finish all come alive under the country’s signature saying, Pura Vida. It means “pure life,” but here it becomes something greater, a shared experience in nature and community. Athletes, families, and locals will celebrate side by side, turning the weekend into both a test of endurance and a lasting memory. When the racing ends, the energy of the competition softens into the tranquil rhythm of the coast, welcoming everyone eager to enjoy the full festival experience.
XTERRA Costa Rica debuted on March 29, 2014, at Playa Conchal, Guanacaste. Two-time Olympian Leonardo Chacón (CRI) won the men’s race while Shonny Vanlandingham (USA) claimed the women’s crown, marking a historic start for the event.
In 2015 Rom Akerson (CRI) edged out the field and Lesley Paterson (GBR) took the women’s win. The following year Karl Shaw (GBR) and Myriam Guillot-Boisset (FRA) captured victories, before Josiah Middaugh (USA) and Suzie Snyder (USA) prevailed in 2017. The 2018 edition was highlighted by Rom Akerson’s (CRI) second title and Kelli Montgomery (USA) earning her first international XTERRA win.
After a hiatus with XTERRA expanding into new destinations, the action returned to Costa Rica in 2024 at its new home in Las Catalinas. Josiah Middaugh (USA) and Raquel Solís (CRI) stood atop the podium, signaling the start of a new era for Costa Rica’s place on the XTERRA World Tour.
The Full Distance Triathlon begins in the calm waters of Playa Danta with a 1.5K swim in a sheltered bay framed by jungle hills. Athletes can expect a fast, scenic loop that sets the tone for the day.
From the beach, the 26.2K mountain bike course climbs immediately into the protected dry forest above Las Catalinas. These trails twist through steep climbs, technical descents, and rolling ridgelines with views across the ocean. It is a course that rewards power and skill, demanding constant focus as dirt, rock, and jungle roots alternate beneath the tires.
The 10.4K run delivers a mix of white-sand beaches, shaded singletrack, and rugged forest paths. Athletes will weave through coastal trails before descending into the cobblestone streets of Las Catalinas where crowds gather at the finish. The layout makes it a complete test, one that highlights the natural beauty while ensuring that every challenger earns their moment in history.
The following is a snapshot of how this weekend feels for each of these competitors:
John Wiygul (USA, Elite) — fresh off XTERRA Ruidoso where he was 3rd Elite and 4th overall, with 4th place Elite finishes at Puerto Rico and the South American Championship earlier this season:
“The world is full of amazing people, and XTERRA Costa Rica is proof of that. I’m excited to experience another incredible venue filled with friendly faces and adventure. The trails here are a dream - flowy dirt, jungle, and rock all woven together into a true off-road playground. It’s pura vida racing, and I can’t wait to dive in.”
Álvaro Campos (CRI, Elite) — 3rd overall at 2024 XTERRA Costa Rica:
“It means a lot to have races with this impact in the sport. Having an XTERRA in Costa Rica is a huge opportunity to race with a high-quality standard event. Also it reunites the triathlon community with a very unique environment. It’s impossible not to get hype at the moment you are at the venue. The trails are amazing, the views are stunning, and it shows again that we, as a country, can have high-level races. The joy and the fun you have in this kind of race is something else!”
Leanne Johnston (CAN, 40–44) — 3rd in her division last year:
“Las Catalinas is the location where I competed in my first triathlon, so that makes it special to me for nostalgic reasons - it’s where I rediscovered my passion for sport and competition. The water in the bay is beautiful, the trails are well maintained and fun, and the town does an excellent job of hosting events. I think choosing Las Catalinas as a location for XTERRA to hold an event is smart. It offers great routes that are both enjoyable and challenging.”
Manuel Huerta (USA, 40–44) — 2nd in his division in 2024:
“XTERRA Costa Rica is special for me because this is where I did my first XTERRA. Las Catalinas is a wonderful place to come with the family and not only race but to enjoy the truly Costa Rica way of life. It has good restaurants, beaches, mountains to hike, bike or run and the people here are great.”
Federico Venegas (CRI, 35–39): 5th overall last year:
“XTERRA Costa Rica is one of the events I enjoy most. The trails, the views, the town of Las Catalinas, and the entire Guanacaste area make it a unique experience. The simplicity of being able to swim, bike, and run in the same environment is something you don’t find many places. The trails are very well designed, with a spectacular flow, and the trail run is technical, challenging, and entertaining. What makes it special is the camaraderie, the atmosphere, and the good vibes.”
Charles Brewer (USA, 65–69) — competitor and developer of Las Catalinas:
“The annual triathlon has been one of the best days of the year at Las Catalinas since 2013. I have always felt like the triathlon weekend shows off humanity at its best. All the healthy people having fun and enjoying both the natural world and the town that we have built is exactly what I always hoped would happen in Las Catalinas. Having it be part of XTERRA, starting last year, makes it even more special.”
Beyond the headline triathlons, the weekend program at Las Catalinas will feature a full slate of events for every age and level of athlete. The Trail Half Marathon (31.2K) stands out as a qualifier for the 2026 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship. Joining it are the 15.6K and 5.5K trail runs, an open water swim with multiple distances, and kids races ranging from 75 meters to 1 kilometer. The stories shared by athletes make it clear why this stop has become so anticipated. From the natural beauty of the Guanacaste coast to the camaraderie that carries through every step of the trail, XTERRA Costa Rica is where effort and environment elevate each other.
XTERRA is a global lifestyle brand that champions the outdoor enthusiast in their pursuit of relentless adventure.
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