About XTERRA Victoria

XTERRA Victoria is an exhilarating off-road triathlon event that takes place in the beautiful city of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. The race features stunning scenery and challenging terrains that will test the limits of even the most experienced triathletes. This race is not for the faint-hearted, as it includes a 1.5-kilometer swim in the crystal clear waters of Durrance Lake, a 23-kilometer mountain bike ride on the world-class trails of Mt. Work Park, and an 8-kilometer trail run through the scenic wilderness trails of the Partridge Hills. The course is tough and requires a high level of endurance and skill, making it a great challenge for triathletes looking to push their limits.

Participants can choose from two adult race distances, the championship course or the sprint distance duathlon. The sprint race is perfect for those new to off-road triathlons, with a course that is approximately half the distance of the championship race. The championship course is the qualifier for the XTERRA World Championships, and one qualifying spot is offered to the first-place finisher in each age group, male and female, with additional spots allocated by XTERRA.

XTERRA Victoria offers an unforgettable experience for both athletes and spectators alike. The event attracts participants from all over the world, creating a vibrant and competitive atmosphere. Victoria is known for its scenic beauty, and participants are treated to stunning views of mountains, lakes, and forests throughout the race. The event is also a great opportunity to connect with other triathletes and immerse oneself in the local community, with many local businesses and volunteers involved in making the event a success.

In addition the main race offers various activities for athletes and their families, including a kids' triathlon, a beer garden, and live music. The event is an excellent way to explore the city of Victoria and all it has to offer, with many restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions in the area. XTERRA Victoria is a must-do event for any triathlete looking for a challenging and rewarding off-road triathlon experience. There is so much the XTERRA world has to offer.

Details

• 8:00 a.m. swim start (first wave)

• Championship Triathlon: 1500m swim – 24K bike – 10K run
• Sprint Triathlon: 750m swim – 12K bike – 5K run
• Duathlon: 2K run – 12K bike – 5K run

• Individual Male & Female: U20, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+

The triathlon offers three relay options: Male, Female, and Mixed, with teams of 2 or 3 people. For the Mixed relay, at least one member of each gender is required. The duathlon relay, on the other hand, is limited to teams of 2 members.

About the Swim

The swimming segment of the Championship contest entails two 750-meter counter-clockwise circuits in Durrance Lake, an immaculate mountain lake, for a total of 1500 meters. Sprint competitors, on the other hand, will accomplish a single 750-meter counter-clockwise loop. Depending on the water temperature on race day, the use of wetsuits may be authorized. The chief race official will make the decision and reveal it at roughly 7 am on the day of the competition.

Athletes who choose to wear skin suits must continue to do so for the remainder of the race, regardless of their event choice. This regulation applies to all participants who opt to wear skin suits, irrespective of the event they are participating in.

About the Bike

The bike route for the Championship race spans 24 kilometers and features two adjusted laps of a 12-kilometer path through the trails of Mt. Work Park, popularly known as "The Dump." This route includes a network of 18 trails and offers a variety of double and single tracks, providing a challenging experience for participants. 

The trail features climbs, descents, and rapid, flowing trails. The course climbs 1,112 feet with a maximum elevation of 934 feet before descending -1,118 feet. It's important to be ready for a test of endurance. In contrast, the Sprint event covers only one circuit of the same path. Participants must note that solely mountain bikes are permitted on the biking route. Cross or road bikes are not allowed.

About the Run

The Championship triathlon features a run course comprising of two loops of 5 kilometers each, along the scenic lake trail and a portion of the Partidge Hills trail system. The course includes flat sections, winding narrow sections, steep uphill climbs, and numerous rolling downhill portions, presenting a formidable challenge for participants. The Sprint triathlon, on the other hand, involves only one circuit of this route. Additionally, the Saturday trail run event encompasses three laps of the same course, further highlighting the diverse nature of the route. Learn about the benefits of strength training for running in this blog by Wesley Wood.

Summing up the XTERRA Victoria 

XTERRA Victoria is a challenging off-road triathlon event held in Victoria, British Columbia. The course includes a 1.5km swim, 23km mountain bike ride, and 8km trail run through picturesque mountains, lakes, and forests. Participants can choose from the championship or sprint distance, with the championship course being a qualifier for the XTERRA World Championships. The event also offers relay options, a kids' triathlon, and various activities for athletes and spectators. Overall, XTERRA Victoria is an excellent opportunity for triathletes to challenge themselves, experience stunning scenery, and immerse themselves in the local community.

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