2025 South American Championship Wraps with Local Heroes and Global Praise

May 29, 2025

/ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – On May 24-25, 2025, the mountain town of Paipa, Colombia, played host to a high-altitude weekend of off-road competition that brought together Elite athletes, determined age groupers, and rising youth contenders from across South America and beyond. Set at 2,500 meters above sea level in Colombia’s Eastern Cordillera, Paipa delivered stunning landscapes, fresh mountain air, and a festival atmosphere that was embraced by athletes, families, spectators, and the broader outdoor community.

The inaugural XTERRA South American Championship kicked off Saturday with the Full Distance Triathlon, featuring a $15,000 Elite prize purse and 58 qualifying spots for the 2025 XTERRA World Championship in Molveno, Italy. Fueled by the home crowd and altitude-tested strength, Carlos Javier Quinchara Forero (COL) and Elizabeth Lirany Gomez Gutierrez (COL) claimed the men’s and women’s Elite titles.

The action continued Sunday with the 21K Trail Half Marathon, part of the XTERRA Trail Run World Series and a qualifier for the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship. The weekend also crowned the first-ever South American champions across multiple age group divisions. In the Sprint Triathlon, Youth B and Junior athletes competed for the chance to represent their nations at the XTERRA Youth World Championship. Standout efforts across all categories reflected the energy and potential of this historic first edition.

Building the Foundation

South America’s relationship with XTERRA runs deep, with roots stretching back to 2005 when Brazil first brought off-road triathlon to the region. Over the years, the circuit expanded through Ecuador, Argentina, and Chile, producing a wave of talent and passionate communities across the continent. In Colombia, the journey began just last year, when XTERRA arrived in Paipa for the first time. That debut laid the groundwork for something bigger, and in 2025, it all came full circle with the launch of the XTERRA South American Championship.

Paipa’s rise as a high-altitude performance hub didn’t happen overnight. With its mild year-round climate, natural hot springs, and robust infrastructure, it has long attracted national teams and international athletes preparing for major events. The blend of terrain and community support earned Paipa the title of Colombia’s “Sports City of the Year” by the regional newspaper Boyacá 7 Días in 2024.

The push to bring XTERRA to Colombia was led by Xportiva, a Bogotá-based family-run team known for their passion and precision. “It’s amazing to host the first ever South American Championship here,” said race director, Manuela Kapitány. Paipa’s mayor, Germán Camacho, added, “The XTERRA family takes with them great memories of our people, our food, and our town.”

Elite Women’s Gomez Gutierrez Triumphs at Home

The XTERRA South American Championship was a Full Distance off-road challenge across a 1.5K swim in Lake Sochagota, a 30K mountain bike course through the hills and farmlands of Boyacá, and a demanding 10K trail run featuring steep climbs and forested descents. Paipa’s signature terrain offered a true test of skill and endurance, with each section challenging athletes in different ways.

Elizabeth Lirany Gomez Gutierrez (COL) stormed to victory in front of a hometown crowd, capturing the women’s elite title in a time of 2:53:12. Emma Ducreux (FRA) [2:56:59] followed in second, just under four minutes back, with Mirtha Lucia Realpe Palacios (COL) [2:58:47] rounding out the podium in third.

For Gomez Gutierrez (COL), it was a performance defined by confidence, control, and connection to the terrain. She exited the water in third but stayed calm and focused. “I was just like, OK, relax, just go at your pace and then go on the ride,” she said. Her transition was the fastest among the women, helping her gain time early on the bike. She rode assertively through the mud and technical sections before unleashing the fastest run split of the Elite women to seal the win.

Competing in only her second XTERRA, the 36-year-old delivered a composed race strategy and a proud home victory. “I finally made it to first place, and I want to dedicate this to my family, to all my team, and to the people here in Paipa and the whole Colombia,” she said. “It’s an honor for me to actually get the victory at home.” Reflecting on the wider impact, she added, “It’s amazing for all the community, for the hotels, the restaurants and for the economy in general. It’s amazing to have this huge race here.”

Elite Men’s Quinchara Forero Makes History

Carlos Javier Quinchara Forero (COL) seized control early and never let go, powering through swim, bike, and run to become the first-ever XTERRA South American Champion in the men’s elite division. He crossed the line in 2:18:31, delivering a wire-to-wire performance on home soil. Behind him, David Guete (COL) [2:26:57] took second, and Jeisson Fierro (COL) [2:35:13] claimed third to complete a Colombian sweep of the men’s elite podium.

For Quinchara Forero, a 37-year-old from Bogotá and first-time XTERRA competitor, the victory marked a bold debut. “It’s the first time that it’s happening, this event here in Colombia,” he said. “I’m really proud to be Colombian with this amazing venue here in Paipa.” He led the field out of the 1.5K swim in Lago Sochagota, exited T1 in first, and built his advantage on the bike despite a fall during the second lap. “The course was really challenging, technical in some parts, muddy in others… but this is XTERRA, this is different, this is challenging.”

A strong runner with a background in World Triathlon racing, Carlos closed with the fastest 10K split of the day. “You have to be technical, you have to be brave, you don’t have to be afraid of anything… The most important thing, challenge yourself,” he said. “Keep going, keep going, keep going until the end.” As he crossed the finish line in front of the Paipa crowd, it was clear he had done more than just win a race. He had introduced a new standard for XTERRA competition in South America. “Every athlete who wants to come and race here in Paipa next year is more than welcome. You will have a really great experience.”

First-Ever South American Age Group Champions

The debut of the XTERRA South American Championship extended far beyond the elite field, ushering in a brand new class of age group champions from across the continent. For the first time in XTERRA history, South American titles were awarded to age groupers, many of whom delivered world-class performances and shared their thoughts on the experience.

Michael Leonardo Pirajan Rojas (COL) fought through a challenging course to win the M35-39 division in 2:49:35, securing 8th overall in the process. He used a strong bike leg and an outstanding run to surge through the field. “It was very demanding,” he said. “The technical riding was the biggest challenge, but that’s XTERRA. That’s the difference.” His run split ranked 4th fastest overall, a decisive factor in his climb to the top of his age group.

Andrés Santiago Suárez Baquero (COL), only 22 years old, turned heads with a composed, mature race to win the M20-24 division in 2:43:38 and place 5th overall. “XTERRA tests the abilities and the skills of all of the athletes,” he said. “Being South American Champion in my category at such a young age is very exciting. Through sport, we can build a society for future generations.” His race was a display of balance and poise, highlighted by the fastest bike split in his category and a sharp all-around execution.

Yeison López Tenjo (COL), racing in his hometown, thrived under the pressure of local expectations. His 2:36:19 finish earned him the M25-29 title. “I knew the routes and everything, but I still thought it was super, super tough,” he said. Having competed in Paipa the previous year, he turned experience into opportunity and delivered a career-defining result in front of friends and family.

Juan Ignacio Gamboa Fernández (CRI) brought international experience and positive energy to the race, capturing the M30-34 crown with a 7th-place overall finish. “I love XTERRA,” he said. “The family here is very nice. The people help each other. It’s like a family.”

André Vieira (BRA) and Rita Vieira (BRA) made it a family affair, both claiming titles in the M55-59 and F55-59 categories. Racing at altitude for the first time, André admitted, “It beat me,” but he still delivered a standout ride. “The bike was very democratic. You had a little of everything, and I loved that.” Rita, meanwhile, embraced the course and the community with open arms. “The people, the place, and everything was great and the race was very hard, but I loved it.” Her 3:51:01 finish capped a joyful day in Paipa, where both husband and wife stood atop the podium, making XTERRA history together.

Youth B and Junior Top Performers Earn Their Spot on the World Stage

The XTERRA Sprint Triathlon in Paipa (750-meter swim, 15K mountain bike, 5K trail run) served as the official qualifier for the XTERRA Youth World Championship, offering athletes in the 16–17 Youth B and 18–19 Junior categories a chance to earn their place on the global stage. Among the standout performers were three rising stars from Colombia.

Mariapaz Moyano (COL), age 16, delivered a strong and joyful performance. “It was awesome. I enjoyed it,” she said after the race. “The trail run was difficult, but I enjoyed it.” Her time of 2:07:02 earned her the Youth B title.

Sebastian Cubillos Moyano (COL), age 17, powered through the course in 1:45:24 to take the top Youth B spot. “It was amazing. It’s so difficult, but I enjoyed it,” he said. With a love for biking and a background in downhill, Sebastian used his skills to dominate the bike leg and stay strong through the finish. “My favorite part was the bike because I love to ride,” he added.

Arnold Steven González González (COL), age 19, made his XTERRA debut in the Junior category with a commanding effort, leading out of the water, holding position on the bike, and surging on the run to finish in 1:38:28. “It was very strategic and hard, but I loved it,” he said. “It’s the first time I’ve competed in XTERRA and in a mountain bike race, but I loved it very much.” His performance not only earned him the top spot but revealed a promising new athlete in the XTERRA youth ranks.

Happy Trails & Festive Farewells

Sunday’s XTERRA Trail Half Marathon, serving as a qualifier for the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship, brought off-road specialists and multisport athletes back to the course for a scenic and demanding 21K journey through the hills above Paipa. The event capped a festive weekend that combined competition, community, and culture in the heart of Colombia.

Juan Diego Ramírez (COL), age 26, led from the front and never looked back, crossing the finish line in 1:41:26 to win the overall and M25-29 titles. His smooth, high-altitude effort made him the top male performer on the day. “I really enjoy the atmosphere,” he said. “It’s a very relaxed way to run and the trails here are beautiful.”

Mirtha Realpe (COL), age 44, added a second podium to her weekend, having finished third in Saturday’s elite triathlon. Less than 24 hours later, she returned to the start line and ran to the top of the women’s field in the 21K Trail Run with a time of 2:00:47. “The landscapes are incredible. I really liked the race, and the views were beautiful,” she said. “XTERRA is my favorite type of racing, I love it.”

The XTERRA South American Championship opened with traditional dancers and live music from Paipa, continued with local cuisine and handmade crafts in the race village, and closed with a shared sense of joy and accomplishment among athletes, families, and fans.

Watch highlights from the weekend on Youtube