2025 XTERRA South Africa Preview: Where Legends Rise and New Journeys Begin

February 20, 2025

GRABOUW, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – XTERRA South Africa will officially launch the 2025 XTERRA World Tour on February 22-23, bringing off-road triathletes and adventure seekers back to the rugged landscapes of the Elgin Valley for the event’s 18th edition.

The Full Distance Triathlon on Saturday, February 22 challenges athletes with a 1.5K swim in the pristine Eikenhof Dam, a 28K mountain bike course designed by XTERRA legend Conrad Stoltz, and a 10K trail run through rocky terrain and water crossings. A prize purse is up for grabs for Elite competitors, while age groupers will vie for 28 XTERRA World Championship slots taking place in September under the Dolomites of Trentino, Italy.

Stoltz, a four-time XTERRA World Champion and two-time Olympian, has shaped the event both as a competitor and now as Race Director. “We’re very enthusiastic about kids and youth racing,” he said. “Seeing their smiles and excitement is one of the best parts of the weekend.”

This year marks a milestone debut for Linda Detering (ZAF) and Ryno Owen (ZAF), both stepping into the Elite field after standout performances in 2024. Detering, last year’s XTERRA 25-29 Age Group World Champion, is eager for the challenge, while Owen, who finished third overall at XTERRA South Africa 2024, returns with home-course confidence.

On Sunday, February 23, the XTERRA Youth Tour continues with two qualifier races: the Youth Sprint Triathlon (500M swim, 11K bike, 6K run) and Super Sprint Triathlon (250M swim, 6K bike, 2.5K run). Antony Clayton (ZAF) and Nathan Chase (NAM), who podiumed at the 2024 XTERRA Youth World Championship, return with greater ambitions for 2025.

Age group athletes also take center stage, including Tanya Rabie (ZAF) and Lizl Hobson (ZAF), close friends who train and travel together, proving that XTERRA is as much about community as competition. Rabie, who won her 50-54 division last year, and Hobson, who finished second in 55-59, return to race side by side on the trails they love.

The XTERRA Trail Run World Series also continues on Sunday with a 21K Half Marathon, where top finishers will earn slots for the 2025 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship in Snowdonia, Wales.

Beyond competition, XTERRA South Africa delivers a festival-style weekend, featuring camping, live music, food vendors, and the signature South African ‘braai’ experience. With temperatures expected to peak at 25°C under clear skies, conditions are set for an unforgettable weekend of racing and adventure.

Full Race Preview: xterraplanet.com/xterra-south-africa/preview

Free to use photos: XTERRA South Africa Photo Gallery (photo credit:@xterraplanet)

YouTube Link: Should Athletes Race XTERRA South Africa in 2025?

About XTERRA

XTERRA is a global lifestyle brand that champions the outdoor enthusiast in their pursuit of relentless adventure. From pioneering the sport of cross-triathlon in 1996, XTERRA has grown to become a leading brand in off-road adventure through the XTERRA World Tour, XTERRA Trail Run World Series and the XTERRA World Cup, connecting an eco-aware community of worldwide explorers that seek to protect the places where they play. For more information, visit xterraplanet.com.