Colombia to Host Inaugural 2025 XTERRA South American Championship

December 5, 2024

PAIPA, BOYACÁ, COLOMBIA /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – A landmark announcement for the future off-road triathlon’s expansion around the globe comes from the pioneers of the sport at XTERRA. The continent of South America, along with the host nation of Colombia invite triathletes and trail runners of all ages and expertise to experience the events surrounding the first-ever XTERRA South American Championship on May 24-25, 2025.

The rich heritage and unique landscapes of Paipa, Boyacá will exemplify what will become more than a race, with nature, culture and adventure enthusiasts exploring the ancestry and scenic beauty of Colombia’s highlands.

The Full Distance Triathlon serves as the inaugural XTERRA South American Championship on May 25 offering 58 qualifying slots for the 2025 XTERRA World Championship in Molveno, Italy, along with a $15,000 Elite Prize Purse. Competitors from South American countries will also vie for the honor of becoming the first-ever XTERRA South American Champions across Elite and Age Group divisions.

The weekend also features a Sprint Distance Triathlon and 21K Trail Half Marathon on May 24, both serving as qualifiers for the 2025 XTERRA Youth World Championship and 2025 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship, respectively. Additional events include a 10K Trail Run and various Kids’ Races, making it another family-friendly edition of the well-known festival atmosphere that surrounds XTERRA events.

Discovering Paipa as the Perfect Fit

Paipa, located about 80 miles from Bogotá, sits at an elevation of 8,284 feet (2,525 meters) with an average temperature of 64° F (17-18°C), known for its rural charm, unique gastronomy, and the rich historical environment it embodies. As the ancestral home of the Muisca civilization, the area reflects their advanced agricultural techniques, salt and emerald mining practices, and reverence for natural features such as lakes and hot springs. The rolling hills, fertile valleys, and Andean highlands of Paipa create a setting that invites exploration, offering an immersive connection to its diverse natural environment.

The success of the first-ever XTERRA Colombia in 2024 left participants and visitors with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for the region. Winners of last year’s race shared their enthusiasm for Paipa and its vibrant culture.

Arturo Guzmán Medina (COL), winner of the inaugural 2024 XTERRA Colombia, stated, “Colombia is a great place for training and racing because you can find both low and high altitude training close by, allowing you to develop your performance with great scenery. The energy and passion for sports among the people here make it a meaningful experience.”

Paola Morales (COL), winner of the Elite Women’s Full Distance Race, said, “This is technical terrain full of nature, which will lead each athlete to challenge their limits and give their best in each segment of the triathlon. In Colombia, you will be able to enjoy the mountains, beaches, deserts, snow-capped mountains, and many beautiful landscapes, as well as friendly, charismatic people, diversity of climates and cultures, and delicious food.”

Full Distance Race Course Description

Kirk Ermels, the Technical Director of XTERRA Americas helps to describe the course and surroundings: “The Paipa area is beautiful and very biker-friendly. The race course starts with a swim in Lake Sochagota, the training base for numerous water sport Olympians. The bike course is an immersive tour of the Colombian countryside, winding and climbing through farms and fields with abundant views around every corner. The run begins with a smooth jaunt along the lake before a tough climb up to an overlook of Paipa and its mountainous backdrop, then descends through farm communities back to the finish and festival grounds.”

Swim (1.5K): Athletes will dive into the clear and calm waters of Lake Sochagota for a single 1.5K loop swim. Surrounded by lush greenery and the majestic mountains of Boyacá, the setting is spectator-friendly with a promenade on the east side providing scenic views and its proximity to the region’s famous thermal springs.

Bike (30K): The mountain bike segment spans 30K through the heart of Paipa’s countryside. Riders will traverse rolling hills and rural pathways, encountering a mix of terrains that challenge endurance without being overly technical while weaving through farms and fields, providing glimpses of traditional Colombian life.

Run (10K): The final leg is a 10K trail run that begins along the shores of Lake Sochagota. Runners will face a steep and demanding climb, rewarded by sweeping views of the surrounding Andean highlands at the summit. The descent navigates through a network of dirt roads and singletrack trails.

Quotes From Leaders and Organizers

Germán Camacho, Mayor of Paipa:

“In 2025, Paipa will host the XTERRA South American Championship. We welcome you with open arms, not only to be thrilled by this significant event but also to enjoy our hot springs, excellent cuisine, must-see tourist attractions like the monument to the ‘Lanceros Pantano de Vargas’, beautiful handmade crafts, rich culture, and above all, the warmth of our people. In Paipa, you’ll find it all. You’re always welcome because training here makes you feel great!”

János Kapitány, Race Director and CEO of XPORTIVA:

“Welcome to Paipa, Colombia for 2025, a new edition of XTERRA, this time the South American Championship. Paipa is one of the most beautiful places in Colombia, where its mountains host the best cyclists in the world and where world-class athletes prepare for their major races. In Paipa, you will experience the warmth of its people, its gastronomy, and an unforgettable course around Lake Sochagota and its mountains. Our commitment is to welcome and host you in a wonderful place where you will compete under XTERRA’s highest standards.”

Steve Andrus, XTERRA Americas Tour Manager:

“We are extremely pleased to announce that there will be a South American Championship for 2025. This move allows for champions to be crowned in both North America and South America for the first time. After last year’s successful inaugural event with XTERRA Colombia and support from the local community of Paipa, the decision was easy to make. With the support of XPORTIVA, it will be sure to be a bucket-list event.”

Emily McIlvaine, XTERRA Americas Event Coordinator:

“Expectations were set high for XPORTIVA as they brought XTERRA to Colombia in 2024 for the first time, and they exceeded every one. The professionalism, organization, and quality of this team are outstanding, and they are a perfect fit to showcase their incredible country as the venue for the first-ever XTERRA South American Championship.”

Champions and Community Unite

Along with crowning the future XTERRA South American Champions, the XTERRA Youth Tour marks its debut stop in Colombia for emerging young talent to compete and gain experience at unique off-road terrains worldwide. The Sprint Distance Triathlon (750M Swim, 15K Bike, 5K Run) will also serve as a qualifier for the 2025 XTERRA Youth World Championship for Youth B and Junior categories.

Additionally, the 21K Trail Half Marathon, part of the XTERRA Trail Run World Series celebrating communities and spectacular trails across the globe, aims to invite the top 116 finishers to the 2025 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship in Snowdonia, Wales.

The terrain of Paipa is dynamic, with soft earth trails, rocky paths, and open plains allowing runners and riders to explore its natural history. Its deep connection to the Muisca legacy is still evident in the traditions and agricultural practices that remain integral to the region’s identity. The XTERRA Community will embrace Paipa’s vibrancy, offering a festival-like atmosphere with food, activities, and celebrations for athletes competing for the title of 2025 XTERRA South American Champions.

Challengers who wish to traverse this timeless land should visit the official event page for complete details and registration.

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.

High-resolution images for publication and social media use here. (Photo credit: XTERRA, @xterraplanet)