Race FAQs

Every race counts. Most Points Win. You have to do at least one race in your region AND two races total to qualify for regional champ honors. Win your region, qualify for Maui. Click here for details and rules.

When we proposed the idea to count all scores we did research on the effects of the new rule system by implementing it on last year’s results and found in 94% of the divisions (173 out of 184) the regional champion would have been the same whether they counted just their best four races or all of their scores. In the 11 instances (the 6%) where the regional champ was different, they did 2 or more races than the guy/girl ahead of them. However, in most cases it was still real close, so the guy/girl being chased would have had the chance to pick up another race and get more points. Yes, in those 11 cases nationwide counting all scores would have rewarded our most loyal, die-hard racers who traveled a lot and supported the series.  We don’t think that is a bad thing. Plus, the fast guys/girls can score more points with less races, and if you’re fast, there are more chances than ever before – in the U.S. and in 34 other countries – to qualify for Maui.

Lots of ways. 

Read this. 

To make it easier to understand, easier to track, easier to promote, easier to tabulate, to unify the scoring structures across the world tour, and provide more support for our regional race directors.

To be a regional champion you must race at least two events.

No. The America Tour consists of 45 races in 30 states.  Goal is to win your region.

The Pan America Tour consists of 11 races in 9 countries.  Goal is to win the tour.

America Tour rules are above, Pan Am Tour Rules are here.

August 31, 2018.

Shortly after the final tabulation of points.  If the last race is August 20, you can expect an email invite by August 25.

No, sorry.  In the spirit of competition, we want to keep the qualifying spot relevant to the year in which it was earned.  New this year XTERRA European Tour Champs, Pan American Tour Champs, and Asia-Pacific Tour Champs are earning qualifying spots too.  We’d like to see all those fast guys and gals from around the world on the line in Maui at the same event to find out who is the fastest in each division in that year.

Roll downs will be permitted in instances where the regional champion had already qualified and registered to race at XTERRA Worlds.  Example: Joe Schmoe wins his division at XTERRA Oak Mountain, accepts the Maui spot and registers. He then wins his regional championship and qualifies again but is already signed up. We’ll roll his qualifying spot to the next guy.

No, last year’s Pan Am/USA Championship did not award XTERRA America Tour points.  It did, however, award XTERRA Pan America Tour points as the last race in the Pan Am Tour.

You don’t need to. No qualification necessary. All countries welcome.

In Utah, the top American finisher in each age group will be honored as the XTERRA USA Champion.  The top overall finisher in each age group, regardless of nationality, will be named the XTERRA Pan America Champion.

The 2018 season runs from September 1, 2017 – August 31, 2018. A runner’s age during this time period will be based as of August 31, 2018. Any races on/after September 1, 2017 will be scored for 2018 points and will be based on age as of August 31, 2018.  We need to keep all runners on even footing, and this is the best way to make sure the runner’s points stay with them throughout the season.

There are a few things to check when determining if you should have received points. First, only the longest distance of the day receives points. Therefore, if there was a 21K, but you ran in the 5K, your race was not eligible for points. The only exception to this is if there were multiple races longer than 21K. Anything 21K and over will receive points. Second, only the top 15 runners in every age group will be awarded points. Also, points stay within their specific region. If you still think you are missing points, please email Emily at trailrun@xterraplanet.com and she will be happy to take a look at the standings.

Many runners will have special trail running shoes, but they are absolutely not necessary. Comfortable running shoes are all you need. Many of the events will feature mud and plenty of dirt, so keep that in mind. If you want to keep your new shoes looking new, it’s best to wear some old ones to the XTERRA event.

We are always looking for new regions to bring onto the XTERRA calendar. If you know an experienced race director that would be willing to put on XTERRA Trail Runs in your area, please contact Emily McIlvaine at trailrun@xterraplanet.com or 877-983-7721 and she will be happy to connect with them.

You can find the points and race schedule within your specific trail run series. Click here to see all trail runs > find your series > click on the series to see current points and schedule.

If you think your points are incorrect, please email Emily McIlvaine at trailrun@xterraplanet.com and she will be happy to take a look at the standings.

If your friend signed up online, you are able to pick up their race bib and shirt at packet pickup.

You are able to switch distances anytime…even on race day.  If you want to do a longer race, you will be charged the difference in price. Cash, check or credit card are accepted payment forms onsite.  You can downgrade to a shorter race with no additional fees and no refund of your original entry fee.

The short answer is no. We do not allow transfers. The only exception is if the runner can produce official military orders indicating a deployment or move out of the area.

Unfortunately, we are not able to give any refunds at any time.

Sorry, we are not able to roll registrations from year to year.

If you want to switch your shirt size before the event, please email trailrun@xterraplanet.com with the change. On event weekend, you will be able to pick up the size you indicated on your registration form. If your shirt does not fit when picking up your packet, you may trade after the event if there are any shirts left over.

Unfortunately, we are not able to mail the shirts or packets if you are unable to attend the event. However, you can have a friend pick up your goodies if you know someone that can make it to packet pickup.

At the present time, there are only finisher medals for the 21K race at the XTERRA Trail Running World Championship in Hawaii. All races will give awards medals to the top three runners in each age group for any distance of the day.

All winners must be present to receive their award. We do not keep unaccepted medals and are unable to mail them.

Pre-running is available at most venues. Please see the event web pages and race schedules for information.  Note that there is NO pre-running allowed during triathlon races.

We will be sending an email the week of your race with the number of aid stations. All aid stations will have both Gatorade and water. 

Unfortunately, we are not able to allow dogs or jogging strollers on any of our trail run courses, for the safety of all participants.

We leave this decision up to the parent or guardian. You know your children’s capabilities better than we do, so we do not have a minimum age limit in place.

We do not have any time limits in place for the trail run events. That being said, we do encourage anyone planning to walk the entire course to avoid participating in the longest distance of the day. Many of the races are held in hot climates, and we do not want our athletes or volunteers out on the course too long. That being said, you are certainly able to walk during an event if you need to. There will always be an XTERRA team member waiting until the last runner is off the course.

Each event online registration form has a search feature at the top of the page that allows you to enter your name to confirm your race status.

Please visit your event’s schedule to find the times when you can register in person at the race venue. Sorry, we are unable to take registrations over the phone after online registration has closed.

Unfortunately, due to safety concerns, we ask that people do not carry walking sticks on our courses.

Email Emily McIlvaine at trailrun@xterraplanet.com. She will be happy to help you with anything else you may need.

There will be no refunds or transfers given for race fees with the exception of the XTERRA World Championship in Maui.  Race fees are non-transferable and the event will take place rain or shine.

XTERRA World Championship Refunds

Cancellation must be received in writing via e-mail to info@xterraplanet.com.

All request must be received on or before August 31 to be eligible for a partial refund of US $125.00.

No refunds will be issued for request made after August 31st.

Transfers or deferrals will not be given.