Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham is proud to be this year’s host of the XTERRA North American Championship! This triathlon event is held nationwide and features some of the best athletes from around the world competing in a grueling, rugged outdoor environment. Experience the thrill of XTERRA Oak Mountain on May 16th-19th! Dive off into off-road excitement with stunning views and a welcoming community. Sign up now for an unforgettable adventure!
XTERRA Oak Mountain
XTERRA Oak Mountain is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to compete against some of the finest triathletes in the nation following the beautiful, well-maintained trails at Oak Mountain State Park. Competing in beautiful locations is the mantra of these XTERRA events and Oak Mountain is the perfect place to host! Alabama’s largest state park boasts unparalleled beauty alongside terrain that is conducive to competing; including mountain trails for biking and running and a lake for swimming.
The event is open to people of all ages, and athletes across a wide variety of skill sets will compete for a chance to win the ultimate prize. For visitors, there are a host of options to pass your time in between watching your friends and loved ones compete. Vendors, music, and other events make the XTERRA Championship the perfect family outing for an adventure-seeking family!
Oak Mountain Trails
The trails at Oak Mountain State Park are the perfect place to host the 3rd stop of the XTERRA World Cup. The event will feature four races, all designed to push you to your limit in a rewarding way.
The full-distance triathlon is a 1.5-kilometer swim, a 33-kilometer bike ride, and a 10-kilometer run. There is an individual and a relay component to this race so whether you’re going solo or competing with a partner, this race is bound to test your limits and leave you feeling accomplished as you navigate the Oak Mountain Trail system.
The sprint triathlon is a shorter event with a 750-meter swim, a 16-kilometer bike ride, and a 4.5-kilometer run. This is the perfect race for those just getting into triathlons, or those looking for a relaxed, fun race that is not ultra-competitive.
For the kids, there is a free kids bike race open to kids of all ages to compete and hone in on their trail riding skills so one day they can come back and compete in another XTERRA event! Bring your camera and get ready to take some action shots of the tikes on bikes as they fly down the mountain! With helmets on, of course.
On Sunday, XTERRA professionals will compete in an invite-only race. This event will be live-streamed and it is guaranteed to feature heart-pounding, adrenaline-fueled competition as the best of the best go head-to-head to see who can dominate Oak Mountain’s trails.
What To Expect
Athletes arriving early should head over to Taco Mac and Cahaba Cycles for the athlete welcome party on the Thursday before the race. This will be a great way to connect with other athletes, especially those who are local to the area and may be able to provide an inside scoop on the terrain. This event is from 6-8 PM.
The welcome social will also be a place to get valuable information about race times, event policies and procedures, and medical information. Plus, talking to other athletes is the best way to meet new like-minded people interested in adventure sports. This is a fantastic networking opportunity for the adventure athletes out there.
Friday, the XTERRA festival officially opens. Athletes and their families are highly encouraged to come out and check out the grounds. This will give you a great look at the event space and help you get familiar with important areas within the park. This is also when you will pick up your athlete packet and event information, so don’t miss out on Friday!
Saturday is race day! All of the competitors besides the Elite racers will compete on Saturday. The day will be filled with fun, food, and friendly competition making it the perfect weekend event for the thrill seekers and their families! Coffee and food trucks will be open starting at 6 AM with the first races at 8 AM. So, whether you’re competing in the morning or later in the day, come early so you don’t miss out on the fun!
Sunday, the Elite race takes place. This is where the professionals compete and the event will be livestreamed. This is the perfect event to come watch if you are a beginner looking to get into adventure sports, or you’re a vet looking for inspiration. This race is guaranteed to satisfy even the biggest thrill seekers, and hanging out at Oak Mountain State Park isn’t half bad either!
Family Fun
The XTERRA Festival is free to the public if you’re not competing. Oak Mountain State Park will turn into a food and fun haven with excellent local food trucks serving up classic cuisine in the picturesque park. Live music throughout the festival makes the XTERRA Festival the perfect weekend plan to make sure you have a great time. Bring your blankets and sprawl out and enjoy some competition in a family-friendly atmosphere. Your 4-legged friends are welcome as well (on a leash) so everyone is invited to come and enjoy Oak Mountain.
On Sunday, there will be a rock climbing wall for the kids (and kids at heart), so if watching athletes compete in a high-stakes rugged environment doesn’t get your heart pumping, this definitely will! Heading to the XTERRA Festival is guaranteed to make memories for you and your loved ones that last a lifetime. All right here in Shelby County.
Shelby County Accommodation
For those traveling from out of town, Shelby County boasts some of the best hotels in the area. There are plenty of fine hotels in the area that have availability and are eager to cater to athletes. Additionally, for a fee, you can even camp right on the grounds of Oak Mountain State Park! Oak Mountain Campgrounds are the finest in Shelby County and just because you’re in a campground, you do not have to sacrifice your creature comforts! Be sure to contact the park if camping is your speed, if not, no worries! There are plenty of hotels nearby with constant availability.
XTERRA Oak Mountain—An Unforgettable Event
Whether you’re an athlete planning out your competition schedule for this year, or a casual competitor looking to check this XTERRA event off your bucket list, the XTERRA North American Championship is a fantastic opportunity to get out and challenge yourself while exploring the rugged beauty of Shelby County. The races are for all skill sets and people of all walks of life come back year after year to participate.
From food trucks to live music, and bonfire pits to rock walls, the XTERRA Festival is a family fun event in Shelby that you don’t want to miss this summer. It’s a great way to explore the outdoors. There’s still time to register so don’t delay. And if you’re not racing, come out and see what all the fuss is about. You never know, maybe you’ll be crossing the finish line next year.
