XTERRA Belgium Celebrates 10th Anniversary at the Citadel of Namur

June 4, 2026

/ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – XTERRA Belgium returns to the Citadel of Namur on June 6, with one of the most recognizable venues on the XTERRA World Tour. High above the Meuse and Sambre rivers, the Citadel places the entire weekend inside a rare mix of forest, fortress walls, cobbled climbs, river views, and proud local energy.

2026 marks 10 years of XTERRA Belgium in Namur, with a full day of events across the historic site and the surrounding trails. The Full Distance Triathlon, also serving as the Belgian Cross-Triathlon Championship, covers a 1.5K swim, 43K mountain bike, and 10K trail run. The schedule also includes the Sprint Distance Triathlon, duathlons, and kids races.

The courses keep athletes, families, spectators, and the city connected with the Citadel above, the river below, and the event village gearing up for a fun and adventurous day ahead.

Around the Citadel

The Full Distance Triathlon begins in the Meuse, with athletes swimming below the Citadel before the race turns back toward the climb into the main venue.

The 43K mountain bike course uses the slopes around the Citadel, moving through climbs, wooded trails, cobbled sections, and faster areas near transition. The course asks riders to keep adjusting between surfaces while managing the effort needed for repeated climbs and technical changes.

The crowd also plays a role. Riders are never far from the event village for long, and the support builds around the climbs, transition areas, and sections near the fortress. It gives the bike course a different kind of energy, especially for the Belgian athletes racing at home.

The 10K run stays close to the Citadel, with shaded trails, stairs, narrow passages, and changing terrain underfoot. After the bike, the run becomes a test of control as much as speed, with athletes needing to stay sharp all the way to the finish.

Belgian Noise, Belgian Pride

Ced Smets (BEL) knows what the race feels like when the home crowd starts to build around the Citadel.

“It’s always a highlight for me, not just because it’s in my home country, but because the course is demanding. And the atmosphere? It’s huge. The crowd energy is real. You better show up ready, because the Belgians will bring the noise.”

That support has become part of XTERRA Belgium’s identity. The event brings youth racing, discovery formats, full-distance racing, awards, music, food, and the after-party into the same venue, giving athletes and supporters a full day together at the Citadel.

Sébastien Carabin (BEL), the 2025 XTERRA Belgium elite men’s winner, returns to Namur with one of his best memories still tied to last year’s race.

“As for Namur. It’s practically a home race and means a lot to me because the atmosphere is incredible with all the Belgians supporting me, including my family and friends. My 2025 victory remains one of my best sporting memories.”

Youth Racing and a Full-Day Festival

The weekend also includes youth racing on the XTERRA Youth Tour pathway. Youth B and Junior athletes will race the Sprint Distance Triathlon, while Youth A athletes will take on the shorter format as part of the same race-day schedule.

Away from the course, the Citadel gives visitors more to experience before and after racing. The Terra Nova Visitor Center, tunnel tours, and views over the Meuse and Sambre add to the weekend, while the 10-year anniversary celebration continues into the evening at Belvédère with awards, a live concert by Muse By Symmetry, and an after-party set with Julien Hamoir.

Follow the Weekend

Visit the official XTERRA Belgium event page for the full schedule, course details, and maps. Weekend highlights and key moments will be shared through XTERRA Europe on Instagram.

About XTERRA

Born on the Hawaiian shores of Maui in 1996, XTERRA has grown into a global outdoor lifestyle brand rooted in exploration, community, and care for the natural world. With deep roots in off-road racing, XTERRA now inspires connection through events, storytelling, and apparel built to move through nature. From local gatherings to world-class events, XTERRA is a way of life shaped by the land beneath our feet and the stories we share along the way.

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