On Saturday, July 11, the XTERRA South American Championship returns to Paipa, Boyacá, where athletes will race at approximately 8,000 feet (2,500 metres) above sea level through one of Colombia’s best high-altitude training destinations.
The Full Distance Triathlon will offer qualification slots for the 2026 XTERRA World Championship in Ruidoso, New Mexico, while athletes from across the continent will compete to be crowned XTERRA South American champions.
The Sprint Distance Triathlon will serve as an XTERRA Youth Tour qualifier for the XTERRA Youth World Championship and the Trail Half Marathon forms part of the XTERRA Trail Run World Series offering qualification for the 2027 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship.
High in the Mountains of Boyacá
Set beside Lake Sochagota and surrounded by the mountains and farmland of Boyacá, Paipa has become a destination for athletes seeking the benefits of high-altitude training.
“Colombia is full of mountains and nature,” said Xportiva co-founder and Race Director Manuela Kapitány. “The landscapes are amazing, the colours are so vibrant, and everything is very, very green. It’s the perfect environment for off-road sports.”
“Paipa is at altitude, so it’s challenging,” she added. “But it’s also one of the places where athletes from around the world come to train because the conditions are so good.”
The Full Distance Course
The 1.5K swim begins with a single loop through the clear waters of Lake Sochagota, surrounded by the greenery and mountains of Boyacá.
From transition, athletes will take on a 30K mountain bike course combining singletrack, demanding climbs, rural roads and open countryside. The route passes Colombian country houses, farms and grazing livestock, with panoramic views opening across the highlands.
“The Paipa area is beautiful and very biker-friendly,” said XTERRA Americas Technical Director Kirk Ermels. “The race course starts with a swim in Lake Sochagota, the training base for numerous water sport Olympians. The bike course is an immersive tour of the Colombian countryside, winding and climbing through farms and fields with abundant views around every corner.”
The final 10K trail run follows winding paths through dense forest and a mixture of technical terrain. A climb to the top of the mountain provides a final view across the surrounding landscape before the descent toward the finish beside Lake Sochagota.
Colombian athlete Francesco Paez said the altitude and support surrounding the venue give the race its own identity. “The course and the atmosphere around the official hotel are full of family, coaches, and friends cheering on the competitors. It’s a thrilling feeling to race at altitude, with so much elevation and technical challenge!”
A Race Supported by Paipa
Since the first XTERRA Colombia in 2024, athletes have consistently spoken about the reception they received from Paipa and the families gathered around the course.
“It’s a culture where everyone comes together, not just the athletes but all the families and friends together,” said inaugural men’s winner Alejandro Guzmán Medina.
Germán Camacho, Mayor of Paipa, has invited athletes to discover the destination beyond race day. “We welcome you with open arms, not only to be thrilled by this event but also to enjoy our hot springs, excellent cuisine, must-see tourist attractions, beautiful handmade crafts, rich culture, and above all, the warmth of our people.”
The July 11 schedule includes a 1,500-metre Open Water Swim, 10K Trail Run and Kids Races over 500 metres, 1K and 1.5K. The 2026 XTERRA South American Championship is delivered with the support of local event partner Xportiva. Follow XTERRA Americas for championship highlights and views from Paipa’s high-altitude course in the mountains of Boyacá.
About XTERRA
Born on the Hawaiian shores of Maui in 1996, XTERRA has grown into a global outdoor lifestyle brand rooted in exploration, community, and care for the natural world. With deep roots in off-road racing, XTERRA now inspires connection through events, storytelling, and apparel built to move through nature. From local gatherings to world-class events, XTERRA is a way of life shaped by the land beneath our feet and the stories we share along the way.
