In the heart of New Mexico, the quaint village of Ruidoso is setting the stage for a remarkable transformation, one that intertwines the resilience of its community with the thrilling pulse of an international sporting event. Next summer, Ruidoso will host the XTERRA Triathlon, part of the XTERRA Off-Road Challenge on their Americas Tour, marking the event's debut in New Mexico. This isn't just a race; it's a beacon of hope and a testament to the indomitable spirit of Ruidoso's residents.
The past months have been challenging for Ruidoso, with the South Fork and Salt wildfires leaving deep scars, compounded by subsequent flooding. These natural calamities did more than scorch trees and disrupt lives; they momentarily dimmed the bustling tourism that characterizes this vibrant village. However, in the true style of a community that refuses to be kept down, Ruidoso is bouncing back, leveraging the XTERRA Triathlon as a catalyst for revival and economic rejuvenation.
Mayor Lynn Crawford of Ruidoso encapsulates this sentiment perfectly, stating, "It really helps re-instill hope in the community that we’re moving forward." And move forward they shall, with plans for the triathlon to feature a mile-long swim in the untouched waters of Grindstone Lake, an 18-mile mountain bike ride, and a six-mile trail run through the scenic trails of Wingfield Park—areas fortunately spared from the wrath of nature's fury.
The event is expected to draw around 6,000 visitors, potentially boosting the local economy by up to $8 million. This influx of athletes and spectators will not only fill the air with excitement but also bring vital business to local vendors and service providers, painting strokes of economic vitality back into the community canvas.
Eddie Ryan, Ruidoso's Planning and Development Leader, shares his optimism: "This is something for our businesses to look forward to." Indeed, with the race scheduled from August 15-17, the village is not just hosting a competition but sowing the seeds for sustainable growth and continued community engagement.
The XTERRA Triathlon in Ruidoso is more than a sporting event; it's a milestone of community resilience and a forward leap towards recovery. As athletes compete for a spot in the world championship, Ruidoso will be racing towards a brighter, more prosperous future, proving once again that even in the face of adversity, hope springs eternal.
What is the XTERRA triathlon event coming to Ruidoso?
XTERRA is an international triathlon event featuring a mile-long swim, an 18-mile mountain bike ride, and a six-mile trail run. It also includes shorter distance triathlons and a youth race. This event will take place in Ruidoso next summer, from August 15-17, for the first time in New Mexico.
How will the XTERRA event benefit Ruidoso?
Officials hope the XTERRA event will bring approximately 6,000 visitors to Ruidoso and generate up to $8 million for the local economy. This is seen as a positive step for the community, which has been recovering from recent wildfires and floods.
Where will the XTERRA triathlon take place in Ruidoso?
The XTERRA triathlon will be held at Grindstone Lake and Wingfield Park, areas that did not suffer major impacts from recent wildfires and floods.
What are the dates for the XTERRA triathlon in Ruidoso?
The XTERRA triathlon is scheduled to take place from August 15-17, 2025, in Ruidoso, New Mexico.
Is the XTERRA triathlon a recurring event?
There is an opportunity for the XTERRA triathlon to return to Ruidoso over the next three to five years, depending on the success of the initial event.
#RuidosoRecovery #XTERRATriathlon
Source:
https://www.krqe.com/news/new-mexico/xterra-triathlon-coming-to-ruidoso-next-summer/
