2025 XTERRA Costa Rica Crowns New and Returning Champions in Las Catalinas

August 25, 2025

August 25, 2025 /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Las Catalinas hosted XTERRA Costa Rica from August 22 to 24, 2025, on the Guanacaste coast for three days of off-road exploration and community events. The car-free town, jungle backed singletrack, and sheltered bay provided an inviting setting that saw spectators gather along cobblestone streets and beaches to watch all the action.

Saturday’s Trail Half Marathon (31.2K) produced local victors as Gabriel Quiros (CRI) won the men’s race in 2:43:48 and Paola Herrera Montero (CRI) took the women’s race in 3:09:57. Held as part of the XTERRA Trail Run World Series, it served as a qualifier for the 2026 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship.

Sunday’s Full Distance Triathlon (1.5K swim, 26.2K mountain bike, 10.4K run) saw Álvaro Campos (CRI) win the men’s race in 2:42:31 while Raquel Solís (CRI) took the women’s title in 3:06:54. This was Solís’s second straight victory at Las Catalinas on a route that combined steep climbs, technical descents, and a final run through town that split the leaders from the chasers. The Full Distance carried 28 qualifying spots for age groupers bound for the 2025 or 2026 XTERRA World Championship and offered an Elite Prize Purse of $7,500 USD.

The weekend also featured a Sprint Triathlon (750m swim, 19.2K bike, 5.2K run) as part of the XTERRA Youth Tour, with Junior (18 to 19) and Youth B (16 to 17) qualifying spots on the line. Shorter trail distances, open water swim events, and kids races rounded out the program, keeping the balance between Elite competition and broad community participation.

Elite History with Solís and Campos Carrying the Torch
XTERRA Costa Rica began on March 29, 2014, at Playa Conchal, Guanacaste, where two-time Olympian Leonardo Chacón (CRI) and Shonny Vanlandingham (USA) claimed the inaugural titles. In the years that followed the race drew top regional and international XTERRA World Champions, including Lesley Paterson (GBR) and Josiah Middaugh (USA) among its winners. When the event moved to Las Catalinas in 2024 Middaugh and Raquel Solís (CRI) topped the podium, and Solís returned this year to successfully defend her title.

From start to finish, she posted the fastest swim, bike and run splits of the day at 22:45 (swim), 1:39:58 (bike), and 1:02:05 (run) for a winning time of 3:06:54. Elizabeth Bravo (ECU) followed in second place with a time of 3:14:43, while Mauren Solano (CRI) crossed the line third in 4:58:33 to complete the women’s podium.

“I am very excited,” Solís said after the race. “I knew this would be a tough course, so I wanted to give my best. Las Catalinas is beautiful and I enjoyed the race. I tried to stay on top of my nutrition and push hard on the run. I hope to carry this into the World Championship next month.”

Álvaro Campos (CRI) earned the men’s crown in 2:42:31 after leading the field from the start. He came out of the water first in 20:53, held his position through the bike and run to seal the victory. “My friends and family were here, which was great. I pushed really hard in the first part of the trail and almost got caught, but [Terán] helped push my pace. In the end I felt like it was my time to break away,” Campos said.

Gabriel Terán (ECU) stayed close throughout the day, just two seconds behind Campos in the swim at 20:55, and then closed with the fastest run of the field in 48:29 to finish second in 2:42:53. Federico Venegas (CRI) followed in third at 2:44:31.

All Ages Agree on Las Catalinas
From the course, age group athletes also spoke highly of the event and the community. Leanne Johnston (CAN, 40–44), originally from Vancouver but now living in Costa Rica, praised the organization and the atmosphere. “I always love doing races in Las Catalinas because it’s a beautiful town, and they do an amazing job putting on the race. The trails were in perfect condition, perfectly marked, with volunteers at all the right spots. At the finish there were so many familiar faces, and we were all stoked for each other, cheering for each other. It just brings everyone together.”

Barry Oliver (USA, 55–59), who moved from San Diego to Costa Rica 25 years ago, echoed the same appreciation for the setting and the culture. “Good weather, amazing trails, well organized. Everything just clicked. Everyone’s chill and mellow, super nice and friendly. I came down thinking it would be a six-month vacation, and I never left. This little Las Catalinas feels like being in Spain or Italy—it’s amazing.”

In the Youth B division, Alejandra Proaño (ECU) won in 2:15:21, making her also the overall women’s Sprint Triathlon winner. “I feel very good. The weather was great. On the bike I was able to take the lead, and later I loved the running. My favorite part was being on the trails where you can see everything.” She added that this was her second XTERRA and that she enjoys the challenge of off-road racing.

Triumph on the Trails
In the 15K Trail Run, Priscilla Portuguez Molina (CRI) won the women’s race in 1:37:58. “It was dark at the beginning and a little hard to see on the trails, especially going downhill, but then I could see the field and where I was going and it felt really good. I was also with one of my teammates, which made it easier. The finish line was my favorite part, seeing family and friends again and sharing that moment with them.”

Pedro Chacón Murillo (CRI) was the men’s 15K winner in 1:11:15. “I’m really happy with the result. This is new for me because I usually run on track and road, but I wanted to give trail a try. The course was beautiful — the beach, the mountains, the trails — it was amazing. I came in with confidence from a strong half marathon last weekend and I’m very happy with the victory.”

The Trail Half Marathon (31.2K) belonged to Gabriel Quirós (CRI), who won the men’s race in 2:43:48, and Paola Herrera Montero (CRI), who took the women’s title in 3:09:57. “Last year I qualified for the World Championship in Wales, and exactly one month ago I was there, placing eighth overall and second in my age group,” said Quirós. “Coming here today, I wanted to give it my all and enjoy such a beautiful event. Racing in Las Catalinas is awesome and I’m very happy with this victory.”

With the support of Coopenae, Las Catalinas, and Kölbi, XTERRA Costa Rica brought athletes, families, and visitors together in Guanacaste for competition, but it was the local experience of “Pura Vida,” capturing joy, gratitude, and togetherness, that became the defining feature of this event.

Full Results here.

Photo credit: @XTERRAplanet