2025 XTERRA North American Championship Delivers Across All Divisions

May 19, 2025

PELHAM, ALABAMA (May 19, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The 2025 XTERRA North American Championship returned to Oak Mountain State Park from May 16–18, bringing world-class competition and community celebration to one of the most iconic off-road triathlon venues in the United States. Now in its 17th year, Oak Mountain has hosted XTERRA since 2006 and has seen legends like Conrad Stoltz (ZAF) win six times, Josiah Middaugh (USA) five, and Lesley Paterson (GBR) four.

This year’s event featured a $30,000 USD elite prize purse and the inaugural XTERRA North American Youth Championship, adding new energy to a weekend built around competition and connection. “This event brings together elite athletes and passionate competitors from across the globe,” said Kendall Williams, Shelby County Director of Tourism & Events. “But once you’ve been to XTERRA, you know it’s more than a race. It’s a celebration of endurance, nature, and community pride.”

Saturday’s Full Distance race saw Félix Forissier (FRA) win the men’s Elite race in 2:29:13, holding off a strong challenge from Sullivan Middaugh (USA), who finished second overall. But Middaugh was the first North American to cross the line, making him the North American Champion for a second consecutive year. He returned Sunday to win the Short Track race, securing a double win for the weekend. “Felix was just a bit faster in the end,” said Middaugh. “But defending the North American title and finishing second overall is a result I’m proud of.”

On the women’s side, frontrunner for the 2025 XTERRA World Cup, Alizée Paties (FRA) led from the bike to the finish to win the Full Distance in 2:48:49, and backed it up with a win in Sunday’s Short Track race to complete a perfect weekend. Suzie Snyder (USA) finished fifth overall and earned her first North American title, adding to her six USA Championships. “It felt smooth,” said Snyder. “I had a relaxed mindset, which really helped in these conditions.”

In the inaugural XTERRA North American Youth Championship, athletes aged 14 to 19 competed for continental titles across Super Sprint and Sprint formats. Dahlia Fillion (CAN), 15, won the Youth A division and called it “a great feeling and a big opportunity to be here.” Corbin Thompson (USA) took the boys’ Youth A title. Andrew Wales (USA), 16, and Mariam Jacobsen (USA), 16, won the Youth B titles, with Jacobsen reflecting on the race as “a chance to meet people from all over, to compare, and to see who can win.” Lucas Wright (USA) and Abigail Wales (USA) captured the Junior titles. “It feels amazing to be the first-ever XTERRA North American Junior Champion,” said Wright. The Wales siblings celebrated a rare family sweep, with their father, Travis Wales, also competing in the Full Distance event.

The top age group honors went to James McCurdy (USA, 40–44) and Leah Roberts (USA, 40–44), who posted the fastest times in their respective fields to earn their 2025 XTERRA North American Championship titles. Argentina’s Maria Viviana Briggs (45–49) and Ezequiel Gatti (50–54) stood out with division wins among international competitors.

The weekend kicked off with a kids triathlon and rolled into three days of racing, art, and celebration. From student-led performances and nature education to post-race concerts, Oak Mountain State Park was energized by a community that has spent nearly two decades welcoming XTERRA athletes with open arms and handcrafted trails.

Follow @XTERRAamericas on Instagram and watch the Short Track race replay on YouTube to catch more highlights from the weekend.

Link to Article: 2025 XTERRA North American Championship Winning Weekend

(photo credit: XTERRA)

World Cup Updates & Results: xterraplanet.com/world-cup-stops/2025/oak-mountain

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.