New Mexico Hosts Inaugural Xterra Event Ruidoso Triathlon

As the New Mexico city of Ruidoso prepares to host the 30th anniversary of the Xterra World Championship, the mountain village hosted hundreds of athletes from August 15–17 for the inaugural Xterra Ruidoso triathlon event.

The Xterra World Championship will celebrate its 30 years by returning to the United States in Ruidoso from October 8–11, 2026.

The 2025 event began with a 1.5K swim in Grindstone Lake. The 30K bike course opened with a full lap around Grindstone Lake before launching into a 5.5K climb toward Grindstone Mesa. The final 10K run circled the lake twice before a last push into Wingfield Park.

The Sprint Distance Triathlon doubled as a Youth World Championship Qualifier, giving athletes the chance to test themselves on the trails where they could return for the Youth Worlds in 2026.

Xterra Americas Tour Manager Steve Andrus described the weekend as “a chance to unwind and just focus on having a good time, specifically focusing on adventure, active lifestyles, engaging with outdoor communities.”

“This event represents a new chapter for our community, one filled with hope, celebration, and the kind of outdoor adventure that defines who we are,” read the official statement from the Village of Ruidoso.

American Amanda Felder took the women’s Elite victory one year after winning the inaugural Xterra North American Championship. Former Xterra World Champion Josiah Middaugh claimed the men’s elite title.

“I was very intrigued and excited by the announcement that Worlds would be held in Ruidoso in 2026,” Felder said. “I had never been to Ruidoso in particular, but I’ve always appreciated New Mexico’s raw natural beauty, culture and rugged trails. This race was the perfect excuse to preview the new Worlds venue and I’m glad I raced here.”