The XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship is returning to Dunsborough, Western Australia, as the XTERRA off-road triathlon series celebrates its 30th year anniversary season this year.
The Asia-Pacific championship event, which first visited Australia over a decade ago, has evolved into a four-part festival encompassing the Asia-Pacific Youth Championship, the XTERRA Trail Running Championship, and the opening round of the 2026 XTERRA World Cup.
Organised by local event organiser Rapid Ascent, the weekend of racing is centred around Geographe Bay and Meelup Regional Park in the city of Busselton. The coastline sits within land cared for by the Noongar People, the Traditional Custodians of the South West Western Australia region.
Busselton Mayor Phill Cronin said “The city is proud to host such a prestigious championship in our spectacular region,” adding that the event delivers “an all-action weekend of inclusive programs that cater for all ages and abilities.”
The 2026 XTERRA World Cup begins on Saturday, March 28 at 07:00 AWST. Starting in Australia, the international series will see professional athletes compete across seven locations on three continents.
Reigning World Cup champion Marta Menditto, of Italy, said “This is one of the best races someone can do, for the vibes, the scenery, and the course. It’s really a dreamy place, beautiful and relaxed.”
The full distance off-road triathlon, which serves as the Asia-Pacific Championship for age group athletes, starts at 08:00 AWST on March 28. Competitors face a 1.5km swim in Geographe Bay, a 30.2km mountain bike through Meelup Regional Park, and a 10.5km trail run over coastal paths and rocky sections.
Performance in the full distance race allows athletes to qualify for the XTERRA World Championship, held in Ruidoso, NM, USA.
The festival Down Under also includes a focus on younger competitors through the XTERRA Youth Tour. The Asia-Pacific Youth Championship features three categories: Youth A (ages 14–15) competing in a super sprint format, and Youth B (ages 16–17) and Junior (ages 18–19) racing a sprint distance.
The sprint events begin at 11:10 AWST on March 28, followed by the super sprint at 15:10 AWST.
On Sunday, March 29, the focus shifts to the Asia-Pacific Trail Run Championship. The schedule features a 38km trail marathon running from Meelup Regional Park towards Cape Naturaliste and back. This is supported by a 21km half marathon and a 10km trail run. These races offer qualification spots for the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship.
J-D Cousens, VP of Operations and Marketing at XTERRA, said “This place captures so much of what XTERRA is about: clear water, coastal trails, and a landscape that invites people to get outside.”
In addition to the competitive races, the event site features an expo vVillage with community swim, ride, and run sessions, as well as a ‘Groms’ race for children.
