XTERRA Slovakia 2026

Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia. A UNESCO World Heritage mining town. Volcanic mountains and crystal‑clear lakes. XTERRA Slovakia returns on June 26‑27, 2026. Full distance triathlon (1.5 km swim, 33 km bike, 10 km run), sprint triathlon (750 m swim, 16 km bike, 5 km run), super sprint triathlon (200 m swim, 6 km bike, 2 km run), 5k charity run, and kids runs (300‑2000 m). 26 World Championship slots available. Known as one of the most beautiful and challenging off‑road triathlon locations in Europe.

Location — Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia:

• Banská Štiavnica is a historic mining town in central Slovakia, founded in the 13th century
• UNESCO World Heritage site due to its well‑preserved medieval town center, mining heritage, and technical monuments (including the Old Castle, New Castle, and Calvary)
• The town is surrounded by the Štiavnica Mountains (Štiavnické vrchy) — volcanic mountains with forests, meadows, and artificial lakes (tajchy) built for mining operations in the 18th century
• The race uses these lakes for swimming and the surrounding trails for mountain biking and running

Friday, June 26 — Charity Run, Kids Runs, and Activities:

• 5k Charity Run — open to all, proceeds support a good cause
• Kids Runs — distances from 300 m to 2000 m, age‑appropriate categories
• Nie Rakovine Prevention Hub — health and wellness activities throughout the day
• Physiotherapy with Dan Červený (June 25‑26)
• Athlete Briefing (mandatory for all competitors)
• FS Marina folklore band — live music in the evening
• Kids activities and games
• Community Run — social run for all participants and locals
• Bike and run course open for practice (Thursday and Friday)

Saturday, June 27 — Triathlon Day:

• Full distance triathlon (individual and relay) — 1.5 km swim, 33 km mountain bike, 10 km trail run
• Sprint triathlon — 750 m swim, 16 km bike, 5 km run (Youth B & Junior qualifier)
• Super sprint triathlon — 200 m swim, 6 km bike, 2 km run (Youth A qualifier)
• All races start and finish in Banská Štiavnica town center
• Swim in a crystal‑clear tajch (artificial lake) — one of the 12 historic mining lakes surrounding the town
• Bike course on rugged mountain trails, forest singletrack, and jeep roads — technical and challenging
• Run course on trails with steep climbs and descents — true off‑road triathlon
• 26 World Championship slots available for age group winners (qualify for XTERRA World Championship)

Relay Teams (Full Distance Only):

• Teams of 2 or 3 participants
• Each team member completes one or two disciplines (swim, bike, run)
• Categories: male, female, mixed

Course Grading:

• Full distance: DIFFICULT — technical mountain bike trails, challenging run climbs
• Sprint distance: INTERMEDIATE — accessible for experienced off‑road triathletes
• Super sprint: EASY — perfect for youth and beginners

What's Included (Entry Fee / Starter Package):

• Chip timing (split times for each discipline)
• Finisher medal
• Event t‑shirt (technical fabric)
• Swim cap
• Post‑race food and refreshments
• Aid stations on bike and run courses (water, electrolyte, energy gels, fruit)
• Medical support on course
• Transition area with bike racks and changing space
• Secure bike parking (overnight?) — check event website
• Age group awards (top 3 per category, 5‑year age groups)
• Overall awards (top 3 male/female per distance)
• World Championship slots for qualifying age group winners

Logistics — Starter Package Collection:

• Friday, June 26 — time TBD at race venue (Banská Štiavnica)
• Bring valid ID and proof of medical fitness (if required — check event website)
• Relay team members must collect bibs together or with team captain authorization

Equipment — Mountain Bike Required:

• Mountain bike required (no gravel bikes on full distance — check rules for sprint/super sprint)
• Helmet mandatory for bike leg
• Wetsuit allowed for swim depending on water temperature (check race day conditions)
• No equipment rental on site — bring your own or arrange with local bike shops

Accommodation — Book in Advance:

• Recommended hotels: Hotel Bristol, Boutique Hotel ERB, Hotel Barcadam
• Apartments: Pod Klopačkou, Sad nad Klingerom, Vila Štiavnica, U vodohospodárov, Apartment under Trojický hill, Apartment Opera Prosecco Bar
• Penzion: Penzion na Kopci
• Book early — Banská Štiavnica is a popular tourist destination, especially during race weekend

Getting There & Parking:

• By car: Banská Štiavnica is located 150 km north of Budapest, 170 km east of Vienna, 200 km northwest of Košice
• Parking available near race venue (follow signage — arrive early)
• Public transport: train to Banská Štiavnica station (connections from Zvolen and Hronská Dúbrava)

Volunteers:

• Volunteer roles: registration, transition area, aid stations, course marshals, finish line, cleanup
• Volunteers receive event swag, meals, and possibly free entry to a future XTERRA event
• Contact František Bican: [email protected]

Sponsors & Partners:

• Main partners: Fond na podporu športu, Ministerstvo cestovného ruchu a športu, Mesto Banská Štiavnica
• Event partners: Banskobystrický kraj, Slovenský Triatlon, OOCR Stredné Slovensko, Vitamin Well, Nie Rakovine, Paul Mitchell, Hamšík, iEsprit
• Media partners: Trenujeme.sk

Contact: [email protected]. Partnerships, media, volunteers: František Bican — [email protected].