The 30th anniversary season of XTERRA opened in South Africa with a weekend that felt like a reunion. Families, longtime supporters, first-time athletes, and friends gathered in Grabouw to celebrate both the milestone season and the 20th year of XTERRA racing in the region.
Passing the Torch to the Next Generation
The sense of continuity was most visible during the kids races on Saturday and again on Sunday as the XTERRA Youth Tour launched its new season. Young athletes lined up alongside veterans of the sport, signaling a future built on curiosity, confidence, and community.
Local Strength and International Speed on Course
On the Full Distance course, local favorite Ryno Owen claimed his second consecutive victory at XTERRA South Africa, crossing the finish line in 2:30:56. Austria’s Carina Wasle led the women’s race, finishing as the fastest woman in 2:56:53 and underscoring the global reach of the event.
Racing Through a UNESCO-Listed Natural Playground
The event unfolded inside the Kogelberg Nature Reserve, Africa’s first UNESCO-listed biosphere. From the waters of Eikenhof Dam to the winding trails near Grabouw Country Club, the landscape played a starring role in shaping the weekend’s experience.
Community at the Heart of the XTERRA Experience
Led by Conrad Stoltz and the local XTERRA South Africa team, the focus remained on participation and people. The launch of XTERRA Trail Run events for 2026, offering 21K, 12K, and 6K distances, brought runners into the celebration and deepened the sense of shared history.
‘The Vibes Were Unmatched’
Athletes left with different memories but a shared feeling. Ryno Owen spoke of the atmosphere, Carina Wasle reflected on her love of adventure and challenge, while others pointed to the landscape and the people as the defining elements of the weekend.
A Milestone Moment to Launch a Global Season
As the final finishers crossed the line on Sunday, the opening chapter of XTERRA’s 30th anniversary delivered a blend of tradition, family, and fresh energy. With two decades of support behind it, the Grabouw event set the tone for a momentous season as the 2026 XTERRA World Tour moves forward.
