2025 XTERRA Portland: Qualifying Dreams and Lakeside Connections

August 4, 2025

HAGG LAKE, OREGON, USA /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Under blue skies and surrounded by the scenic trails of Gaston, Oregon, XTERRA Portland delivered a fun day of off-road competition with a friendly festival atmosphere. Athletes from all walks of life took on the 1K swim, 27.5K mountain bike course, and 8K trail run in the Full Distance Triathlon, where 28 World Championship qualifying slots were on the line for either the 2025 XTERRA World Championship in Trentino, Italy or the 2026 edition in Ruidoso, New Mexico.

Bielat, Kirby Lead the Charge

Liam Bielat (USA) set the standard in the men’s field, clocking a winning time of 2:05:06. Josiah Price (USA) followed just over a minute behind in 2:06:12, with Matthew Balzer (USA) rounding out the top three in 2:09:04.

On the women’s side, Marcie Kirby (USA) took top honors in 2:27:04, holding off a strong late push from Tory Sigmond (USA), who finished just 31 seconds back in 2:27:35. Christina Eide (USA) secured third in 2:33:16.

Tory Sigmond reflected on what the sport means to her:
“Being healthy enough to do what I do is such a gift that I don’t want to ever take for granted. I want to be out on trails exploring our world as long as I can. There’s such a great community at XTERRA races. There’s a number of women who are out on the course into their 40s, 50s, 60s who I really look up to. I’m not planning on slowing down any time soon.”

Youth World Championship Hopefuls

XTERRA Portland also featured Sprint (500M Swim, 21K Bike, 5K Run) and Super Sprint (200M Swim, 6K Bike, 2K Run) races, plus a duathlon and youth events.

A total of 20 slots were awarded to Youth B (16–17) and Junior (18–19) athletes, and 10 slots to Youth A (14–15). Qualified athletes can race at the 2nd Annual Youth World Championship in Trentino, Italy on September 28, 2025, or use their slot for next year’s XTERRA World Championship Weekend, when XTERRA celebrates its 30th anniversary in Ruidoso, New Mexico, October 8–11, 2026.

Summer Traditions and Local Trails

Patty Smaldone (USA), who placed second in the women’s 55–59 age group, summed up the venue experience:
“I’m at Hagg Lake every week during the summer for lake swims and swim/bike/run training. Clean water, warm but wetsuit legal. Singletrack mountain bike loop and trail run. Fun organizers, fun start/finish line. Riding around the lake, every section is scenic. Dogs and families and campers, food and drink, sunshine and a good inclusive XTERRA family vibe.”

XTERRA Portland continues to be a place where athletes and families gather, explore, and enjoy the challenge of outdoor summer competitions in the Pacific Northwest.

Full results and event details are available at the XTERRA Portland event page.

Photos also available here: (credit @XTERRAplanet)