Oak Mountain Unites XTERRA in North America

May 14, 2025

PELHAM, ALABAMA (May 14, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – XTERRA returns to Oak Mountain State Park in Shelby County, Alabama, for the second edition of the XTERRA North American Championship from May 16-18, 2025. Now in its 17th year, the event has grown from a regional race into a cornerstone of the off-road triathlon calendar and serves as Stop 4 of the XTERRA World Cup. The weekend features a $30,000 Elite prize purse, 58 World Championship slots for age groupers, a live-broadcast Short Track, and the inaugural XTERRA North American Youth Championship.

Oak Mountain’s 11,500-acre expanse, maintained in part by BUMP (Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers), has hosted XTERRA since 2006 and gained international recognition after co-hosting the 2012 ITU Cross Triathlon World Championship. “This event brings together elite athletes and passionate competitors from across the globe,” said Kendall Williams, Director of Tourism and Events for Shelby County. “It’s a celebration of endurance, nature, and the spirit of adventure.” Anna Jones, Oak Mountain Event Coordinator, added, “Year after year, this is more than an event. It’s a challenge and celebration we’re thrilled to take on with XTERRA athletes.”

The Full Distance triathlon on Saturday includes a 1.5K swim, 33K mountain bike, and 10K trail run across Oak Mountain’s signature terrain. Sunday’s Short Track races, streamed live, bring a fast-paced conclusion to the weekend.

Among the North American Elites, Sullivan Middaugh (USA) returns as the defending champion, while his younger brother Porter makes his Oak Mountain debut. “I’ve had an awesome season and from what I’ve heard, the course allows for some fast descents and fast running,” said Porter. Three-time winner Suzie Snyder (USA) also returns, reflecting on the venue’s significance: “It’s one of the most exciting races I’ve been a part of.”

On the XTERRA World Cup stage, Félix Forissier (FRA) and Alizée Paties (FRA) arrive unbeaten in the Full Distance format. Paties, currently leading the series with 375 points, said, “The course is fun with a lot of twists and turns… I’m feeling good and confident.” Marta Menditto (ITA) and Aneta Grabmüller (CZE) also return with high expectations after previous top finishes at Oak Mountain.

For age groupers, Oak Mountain is both a competition and a reunion. “It’s the locals that make the vibe,” said longtime XTERRA athlete Casey Fannin (USA), who helped bring the race to Alabama in 2006. Travis Wales (USA) will compete in the men’s 55–59 division alongside his children Abigail (Junior) and Andrew (Youth B), all racing at the Championship level for the first time together. “I really enjoy meeting great people at the events and racing in a uniquely challenging sport,” he said.

This year also debuts the XTERRA North American Youth Championship. Youth A athletes (14-15) race a Super Sprint on Friday, while Youth B and Juniors (16–19) take on Saturday’s Sprint. Notable entrants include Jack Billowitz (USA), who said, “XTERRA pushes me to my limits,” and Dahlia Fillion (CAN), who added, “My goal is to give the best of myself, have fun, and win.”

Festival programming runs all weekend and includes art installations from Homewood Middle School, live music, wildlife education, and performances by local youth bands.

Watch the Short Track race live Sunday on YouTube and follow @XTERRAamericas on IG for updates throughout the three-day weekend.

Link to Full Announcement Article: Oak Mountain Unites XTERRA in North America

(photo credit: XTERRA)

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.