The XTERRA World Cup Returns to Oak Mountain: A Thrilling Dive into the 2025 North American Championship
Nestled in the heart of Shelby County, Alabama, Oak Mountain State Park once again played host to the XTERRA World Cup, marking its 17th year as the beacon for off-road triathlon enthusiasts from around the globe. This event isn't just a race; it's a vibrant celebration of endurance, nature, and community spirit.
Kendall Williams, Shelby County's Director of Tourism & Events, encapsulates it perfectly, "XTERRA is more than a race. It's where elite athleticism meets passionate community engagement."
Over three exhilarating days, the event unfolded with dramatic victories and historic firsts, reinforcing Oak Mountain's status as a premier destination for triathletes. Here’s your all-access guide to the pulse-pounding action of the 2025 XTERRA World Cup and North American Championship.
The XTERRA World Cup: A Premier Off-Road Triathlon Experience
For 17 years, Oak Mountain State Park has been synonymous with the XTERRA World Cup, attracting top-tier athletes to its challenging trails. The 2025 event, held from May 16-18, was no exception, drawing competitors worldwide to this prestigious stop on the XTERRA circuit.
Athletes had a variety of race formats to choose from, each designed to test their limits:
- Full Distance: The crown jewel event featuring a 1.5km swim, a 30km mountain bike ride, and a 10km trail run.
- Short Circuit: A high-intensity race demanding speed and precision.
- Sprint: Tailored for seasoned age-group competitors with a 750m swim, 14km bike, and 4.5km run.
- Super Sprint: Perfect for newcomers and young athletes, with a 400m swim, 8km bike, and 2km run.
This year's event was doubly significant, serving as both a World Cup stop and the North American Championship—a title coveted by athletes from the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Champions Rise Amidst Fierce Competition
The men's Full Distance race was a nail-biter. France's Felix Forissier showcased incredible resilience, bouncing back from an early crash to win with a time of 2:29.13. "The competition was fierce, especially from Sullivan Middaugh on the run. It was a real test of endurance and spirit," Forissier shared after his victory.
Middaugh, an American favorite, narrowly missed the top spot by half a second, but his performance in the Short Track race where he clinched victory was a sweet redemption.
The women's races were dominated by France's Alizee Paties, who led from the bike leg to finish strong with a commanding time of 2:48.49 in the Full Distance race, and also triumphed in the Short Track race.
Celebrating North American Excellence
The XTERRA also crowned North American Champions across various divisions, celebrating athletes like Sullivan Middaugh, who defended his title, and Suzie Snyder, who claimed her first North American Championship with a fifth-place overall finish.
Snyder reflected on her win, "Maintaining a relaxed mindset was key, especially given the challenging conditions brought on by the morning storm."
Youth Divisions: The Future of XTERRA
2025 marked a historic moment with the introduction of youth divisions, paving the way for the next generation of triathletes. Young athletes competed fiercely, with notable performances from locals like Corbin Thompson and Mariam Jacobsen, who became the first North American Youth Champions in their categories.
More Than a Race: A Community Festival
XTERRA at Oak Mountain is a festival of sport, music, and nature. Attendees enjoyed performances, wildlife shows, and the warm hospitality of Shelby County, making the event a holistic experience for families and athletes alike.
Why Oak Mountain Continues to Shine
Oak Mountain's unique single-loop trails, technical variety, and stunning natural beauty, coupled with strong community support, continue to make it a favorite venue for the XTERRA World Cup.
Looking Ahead
The introduction of youth divisions heralds a bright future for XTERRA, ensuring the sport's growth and the continued relevance of Oak Mountain State Park as a key venue.
Whether you're an athlete or a spectator, the XTERRA World Cup at Oak Mountain offers an unparalleled experience that celebrates the spirit of outdoor competition and community.
Join us next time for more thrilling action and community spirit at XTERRA!
What event took place at Oak Mountain State Park?
The XTERRA World Cup and North American Championship took place at Oak Mountain State Park. It was the fourth stop on the XTERRA World Cup tour.
Who won the men's XTERRA World Cup Full Distance race?
Felix Forissier of France won the men's XTERRA World Cup Full Distance race with a time of 2:29.13.
Who was crowned the North American Champion in the men's race?
Sullivan Middaugh was crowned the North American Champion in the men's race after finishing as the first athlete from the United States, Canada, or Mexico.
Who won the women's XTERRA World Cup Full Distance race?
Alizee Paties won the women's XTERRA World Cup Full Distance race with a time of 2:48.49.
Who was the top North American athlete in the women's race?
American Suzie Snyder was the top North American athlete in the women's race, earning the North American Championship title by finishing fifth with a time of 3:00.11.
Was there a new division added to the XTERRA event at Oak Mountain State Park?
Yes, for the first time, there was a youth division which included races for Youth A (14–15), Youth B (16–17), and Juniors (18–19).
What additional activities were available for attendees during the event?
Attendees enjoyed live music from The Stepdads and a raptor show from the Alabama Wildlife Center as part of the event's activities.
#XTERRATriathlon #CommunityEvent
Source: https://www.shelbycountyreporter.com/2025/05/20/635547/
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