The following release is published with permission from ATRA corporate member XTERRA and features the August 17, XTERRA event in Ruidoso, New Mexico.
Under cloudy skies and a cool 18°C, 132 runners lined up on Sunday, August 17, for the 10K Trail Run in Ruidoso, New Mexico, the future site of the 2026 XTERRA World Championship. The field included 73 men and 59 women, with participants ranging from 14 to 69 years old.
The race carried a family-friendly atmosphere, but it was the youth who stole the spotlight on the men’s side. Simon Vasquez (USA, 18–19) broke the tape in 49:18, followed by Max Figueroa (USA, M14U) in 50:23 and Davis Warner (USA, 16–17) in 55:38, a full sweep for the next generation of trail talent.
For the women, experience rose to the top of the 59-strong field. Alisha Edmiston (USA, 40–44) took the win in 57:49, with Liz Cheli (USA, 25–29) close behind in 59:52 and Zulema Uribe (USA, 30–34) rounding out the podium in 1:07:45.
Beyond the competition, the race carried extra meaning as a showcase of resilience from the village of Ruidoso, a community of just over 7,000 that has weathered wildfires and recent flash floods to emerge stronger than ever. With volunteers, council members, and families lining the trails, it was clear that the true champions of the weekend were the people of Ruidoso themselves.
Full results can be found here.
Editor’s Note: Enjoy more articles featuring XTERRA events here.
