If one off-road triathlon is fun, why not make it a quartet of triathlons?
That is what is on offer now that Triathlon BC has announced the 2025 launch of the BC X Tri-Series, a new off-road triathlon series.
The series starts off with the Squamish Off-Road Triathlon on June 7 and is followed by the XTERRA Victoria on July 6 and the Cumberland’s Dodge City X on Sept 6. The series wraps up with the Whistler X Tri on Sept. 14.
How it works
Racers earn points at each event based on where they place in their age groups.
To qualify for awards, athletes must complete a minimum of three races.
Points from the four events will go toward the final series standings.
Winners will be recognized at the Whistler X Tri awards ceremony on Sept. 14.
What is in it for the Sea to Sky?
Jessica Walker, race director for the Squamish Off-Road Triathlon, says it was time for a series like this.
"It's just gaining popularity," she said. "Traditional triathlons have been around for a long time, but these off-road triathlons are a newer section of the sport."
Though Walker said organizers of the series hope to welcome more locations to the lineup, the communities involved so far have some of the best trails there are.
"We've got Squamish, Victoria, Cumberland and Whistler. It's like the best trails in the world," she said.
The advantage for the Sea to Sky Corridor, and Squamish specifically, is that it draws attention to the local race.
"It highlights our race more in British Columbia," she said. "Our triathlon does actually traditionally sell out, but I think we'll see a higher level of racers come out," she said, adding that she is already seeing that with registrations coming in so far.
There are 200 spots available for the local event.
Walker noted that internationally, off-road triathlons are called Cross triathlons.
Also of note is that the Squamish tri has been awarded a qualifying spot at the 2026 World Cross Triathlon Championships Multisport in Dubai.
"Basically, if you put in an expression of interest prior to the race if you're first in your age group ... you can qualify," Walker said.
For the first time, the Squamish race is open for youth aged 16 to 18.
"We really want to promote the next generation of off-road athletes by getting them excited about it younger," she said.
Find out more on the BC X Tri Series website.
