All photos included in this article have been generously provided by Emily McIlvaine/XTERRA.
After the success of XTERRA’s inaugural Trail Run World Championships in 2023, XTERRA is set to return in 2024 with a larger World Series and more opportunities for elites and amateur trail runners.
XTERRA, the world’s leading off-road triathlon brand, has invested more attention into trail running in the past decade (read our article that shares the history of XTERRA in trail running and introduction to the 2023 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship here) and is attracting some of the sport’s top athletes as well as a growing community of trail runners of all ages into its series of global events. American professional runner and XTERRA Trail World Champion Rachel Tomajczyk shares her thoughts on why she’s chosen to compete at XTERRA trail running events,
“I love being able to run fast on trails, and both XTERRA Championships I’ve run have had fast courses on really fun trails. The World Championship course in 2023 featured a big climb at the start with incredible views at the top, followed by a quick downhill on ski trails; then, we ran a loop with rolling hills through ski trails at the finish. After the race, we got to hang out at the ski lodge with lots of food and music while we cheered on all the marathoners coming through the finish. I would definitely consider racing XTERRA again. This race has it all from great courses to incredible people and I’m thankful to have been part of it!”
In the following Q/A style interview, I chat with Emily McIlvaine, XTERRA Americas Event Coordinator, about the second year of the XTERRA World Trail Run Series and the return of their world series final to Sugarloaf Mountain, Maine on August 31 to September 1, 2024. XTERRA seeks to support the growth of trail running, providing opportunities and well-organized events across the world for all ages and types of runners. Whether you’re new to trail running or an elite runner seeking prize purses and competitive racing fields across the world, this series might be for you.
[TAYTE POLLMANN] What were some of the most important considerations going into the 2024 XTERRA Trail Run World Championships?
[EMILY MCILVAINE] After the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship’s successful debut in Maine and all the amazing connections that were made, there was no question that we would be returning to Sugarloaf Mountain in 2024. The timing and date, however, considered many factors. Alongside our incredible partners at the Maine Sports Commission and Sugarloaf Resort, we sought an optimal weekend that would coordinate well with the full XTERRA Trail Run Series schedule, ease travel constraints, and showcase all the best qualities that the local community has to offer. Continuing on with the pattern of rotating XTERRA Championship venues every 2 to 3 years, returning to Sugarloaf Resort allows athletes the opportunity to experience what they might have missed in 2023, and it also allows the XTERRA team the opportunity to grow and build on last year’s momentum.
[TAYTE] What were some things that worked well about last year’s championships in Maine that athletes can look forward to again this year? What changes have been made?
[EMILY] The 2023 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship saw many highlights. The Sugarloaf Resort and the state of Maine are exceptional venues with a full-service village, extreme natural beauty, a welcoming and friendly local community, and access to explore the extensive surrounding trail system. The return to a trail run-specific Championship allowed us to put all the focus on and celebrate our runners the way they deserve. With both the qualifying event showcasing the XTERRA Trail Run World Series’ top athletes alongside the open XTERRA Sugarloaf Trail Run to welcome those new to XTERRA, last year’s event saw 19 nationalities take their place on the starting line, and as we continue to add new, exciting venues around the globe, we look forward to seeing that international and local excitement grow in 2024.
The upcoming 15th edition of the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship will offer a $10,000 prize purse that is open to all qualifying athletes, and all 2023 age division champions, of both the Full and Half Marathon, have been awarded with slots to return to Sugarloaf and defend their title in 2024. We will also be hosting a Dinner of Champions following the race to celebrate the day’s accomplishments.
[TAYTE] What is the schedule like building up to the Trail World Championships this year? How can athletes secure their placements in the championship?
[EMILY] With new qualifying race venues in spots like Colombia, Costa Rica, Australia, and even the Black Hills of South Dakota, the road to the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship is more exciting than ever. The XTERRA Trail Run World Series is evolving, and we are always looking for ways to elevate a runner’s trail run experience, whether that is with the introduction of the XTERRA segment challenges or with our customized XTERRA ranking system. Athletes can find a full schedule of championship and qualifying events at https://www.xterraplanet.com/trail-run-world-series.
While the races on the XTERRA Trail Run World Series schedule will offer 58 to 116 qualifying slots each, the expansion of the new XTERRA Pass program will also offer an additional variety of races with up to 28 invitations each to race in Maine. Full information about qualification and the XTERRA Pass program schedule can be found at https://www.xterraplanet.com/race-rules/trail-run-world-championship-qualification.
[TAYTE] What is the vision for XTERRA World Trail Championships in the future?
[EMILY] The XTERRA Trail Run World Championship has been a staple and highlight of our season calendar since its inception in 2008. Every year, we look forward to welcoming athletes from around the world to join us at a venue that symbolizes the XTERRA spirit. What started on the tropical shores of Hawaii and continues on in Maine’s cozy Carrabassett Valley is a testament to the fortitude of XTERRA’s trail running community. We look forward to exploring new mountains, new trails, and new countries as we adventure on for 2024 and seasons to come.
[TAYTE] Any other fun facts about the 2024 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship that we should make our audience aware of?
[EMILY]
- The XTERRA Trail Run World Championship offers the opportunity for elites and amateurs alike to win their share of the $10,000 prize purse.
- No elite status is necessary to win prize money at the championship event.
- The event will take place on Labor Day weekend in an effort to minimize travel vacation days in the USA.
- While we are still in the early planning stages, we are working to offer additional activities to explore the surrounding Maine and Sugarloaf areas.
- We already have runners from 9 countries and 4 continents signed up for the event
- The event will also host a free kids run and a family-friendly 8K to include all members of a runner’s family.
As we look forward to the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship in 2024, it’s clear that this event is much more than a competition; it’s a vibrant gathering that celebrates the spirit of trail running. The championship at Sugarloaf Mountain promises to be a blend of athletic challenge and community engagement, set against the stunning backdrop of Maine’s natural beauty.
Whether you’re an elite runner aiming for the top spot or a trail explorer seeking a memorable and challenging experience, XTERRA offers something for everyone. Welcoming athletes from all corners of the globe, the emphasis is on camaraderie, adventure and the joy of running in nature, making it a must-attend event for anyone who loves trail running.
