Wales Welcomes the 2025 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship

Press Release / 18.07.2024

WALES, UNITED KINGDOM – Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) has been selected as the host venue for the 2025 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship, taking place on July 12-13.  

‍The off-road competition will unite trail runners qualified through XTERRA Trail Run World Series events worldwide, competing in the Trail Marathon and Half Marathon distances for a $10,000 prize purse and the title of 2025 XTERRA Trail Run World Champion.

‍This will mark the 16th annual XTERRA Trail Run World Championship, continuing its tradition of showcasing top-tier trail running in some of the most scenic and challenging terrains globally. Snowdonia (Eryri) offers a majestic backdrop for the event, known for its rugged landscapes and outdoor sports heritage.

‍The weekend-long festival will not only feature competitive races but will also include a series of community and family-oriented activities. The event aims to provide an inclusive experience that celebrates trail running, community engagement, and the natural beauty of the host location.

‍Event History and Course Description

‍XTERRA Snowdonia Eryri, a celebrated trail running festival in Llanberis, Wales, has been a key XTERRA event for three years and a significant highlight of the XTERRA Trail Run World Series. Now entering its fourth year of offering some of the UK's most demanding trail races, the continued partnership with local organizers Always Aim High Events will elevate the weekend’s events into the climax of the 2025 trail running season. 

‍Half Marathon (21K): Starting and finishing in the iconic Welsh village of Llanberis, the Half Marathon is a championship worthy challenge with over 1,192 meters of ascent, largely concentrated on Wales’ highest peak, Yr Wyddfa (Mt. Snowdon). The course begins with a climb through Llanberis and into Maesgwm (Telegraph Valley), before tackling the steep ascent of the Snowdon Ranger Path. 

‍Runners then cross the railway, reach the Finger Stone, and commence a technical descent down the Llanberis Path through woodlands past Dolbadarn Castle and ascend the steep Zig Zag path leading into the Dinorwig Slate Quarries, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before a downhill sprint to the finish line.

Trail Marathon (44K): The pinnacle of UK trail running, is a 1,685 meters ascent, circling and summiting Yr Wyddfa (Mt. Snowdon). The course takes runners on a meticulously designed route through some of the most scenic and historic sites in the region. Out of Llanberis, athletes head towards Rhyd Ddu, a small village known for its views and welcoming atmosphere. From there, the path leads to Beddgelert, famous for its folklore and riverside trails, and then onto the serene valleys of Nant Gwynant.

‍The real challenge begins as the trail ascends the PyG Track, a path known for its rugged steepness and technical difficulty, leading up to the iconic Finger Stone. This segment rewards athletes with panoramic views across the park and beyond, possibly sighting the Irish Sea on clear days. After reaching the summit, the descent follows the Llanberis Path, running parallel to the historic mountain railway towards the finish line. 

For detailed information on qualification criteria, please visit XTERRA’s qualification page. 

‍Registration for qualified athletes will open soon at the XTERRA Snowdonia Eryri event page.