The Debut of the 2025 XTERRA South American Championship

May 21, 2025

PAIPA, BOYACÁ, COLOMBIA (May 21, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/– On May 24-25, the XTERRA South American Championship will make its debut in the mountain town of Paipa, Colombia. Situated in the Eastern Cordillera at 2,500 meters above sea level, Paipa offers a unique setting with high-altitude trails, mineral-rich lakes, and a reputation for hosting multiple sporting events.

The Full Distance Triathlon on Saturday includes 58 qualifying slots to the 2025 XTERRA World Championship in Molveno, Italy, and a $15,000 Elite prize purse. Saturday also features a Sprint Distance Triathlon serving as a qualifier for the XTERRA Youth World Championship. Sunday includes a 21K Trail Half Marathon, a 10K trail run, and Kids’ Races.

XTERRA first arrived in South America in 2005 with an event in Brazil. It later expanded to Ecuador, Argentina, and Chile. Notable athletes such as Alexandre Manzan (BRA), Felipe Moletta (BRA), Barbara Riveros (CHI), and Carolina Nieva (ARG) helped grow the sport. In 2024, Colombia hosted its first XTERRA event, with Paola Morales (COL) and Alejandro Guzmán Medina (COL) earning Elite wins. The 2025 Championship in Paipa brings together that legacy.

Paipa was named Colombia’s “Sports City of the Year” in 2024 by Boyacá Sie7e Días after hosting over 100 events. “Paipa’s XTERRA South American Championship will welcome you with open arms,” said Mayor Germán Camacho. Medina added that the location allows athletes to “combine high altitude training with lower elevation sessions,” which he called key for performance development.

The event is produced by Bogotá-based Xportiva, led by János, Sofi, and Manuela Kapitány, in partnership with XTERRA Global. “It’s amazing that we’re hosting the first ever South American Championship here,” said Manuela Kapitány. XTERRA Americas Events Coordinator Emily McIlvaine said Xportiva “exceeded every expectation” in 2024.

The championship course includes a 1.5K swim in Lake Sochagota, a 30K mountain bike through Paipa’s countryside, and a 10K trail run with a climb to a scenic overlook. “The bike course is an immersive tour of the Colombian countryside,” said XTERRA’s Kirk Ermels. “The run is challenging,” said Medina. “Go hard uphill and maintain pace downhill.”

The Sprint Triathlon also awards 20 qualifying slots for the XTERRA Youth World Championship to athletes in the Youth B (16-17) and Junior (18-19) categories. This is where the next generation of South American XTERRA champions begins.

Among last year’s standout age groupers were Mirtha Lucia Realpe Palacios (40-44) and Pamela Holguín Gallego (35-39) on the women’s side, and Yeison Lopez (25-29) and Carlos Arturo Zuluaga Gómez (35-39) for the men. With the event elevated to a continental championship, competition is expected to intensify with additional athletes from across South America.

Opening ceremonies will include traditional music, dancing, and performances from local artists. The race village will feature regional food booths, crafts, and a Colombian BBQ at the finish line. Sunday’s trail runs and youth events extend the festivities across both days.

Follow @XTERRAamericas on Instagram for stories, highlights, and moments from the inaugural XTERRA South American Championship.

Link to Full Article: The Debut of the 2025 XTERRA South American Championship

(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.