XTERRA European Trail Championships Head to the French Riviera in 2027

Next April, the Trail des Balcons d'Azur will host the contenders for the XTERRA European trail titles, with a course running through the Estérel massif on the Côte d'Azur.

XTERRA made its name some thirty years ago with a world circuit of off-road triathlons, built around a swim, mountain bike and trail run sequence. In recent years, the XTERRA format has spread to trail running, with several XTERRA-labelled races and unofficial European and world championships under the same banner. In 2027, XTERRA will hold its European Trail Championship in France, in Mandelieu-La Napoule, as part of the XTERRA Trail des Balcons d'Azur Mandelieu.

Scheduled for April 10 and 11, 2027, the weekend will crown European champions over a trail half marathon and a trail marathon. Shorter races and an ultra-trail will round out the program, with race headquarters set up at the Robinson family park.

European XTERRA titles up for grabs over 23 km and 42 km

The European Championship started in Molveno, Italy, in 2023, then moved on to Arinsal, Andorra, in 2024, and Collbató, Spain, in 2025. O-SEE in Germany hosted this year's edition in October 2026, and from here we head to Mandelieu in 2027. Each new destination gives runners a different course and fresh challenges, while bringing the championship to another lively community of trail enthusiasts.
Landry BenoîtTechnical Director for Trail at XTERRA

Saturday, April 10: the 23 km trail half marathon with 1,000 m of vert will host the European Championship. A shorter 14 km race, called the Capitou, is also on offer for runners looking to gain experience or take on a more accessible distance.
Sunday, April 11: the Trail des Balcons d'Azur takes over, with 47 km and 2,200 m of vert, doubling as the European trail marathon championship.

The championship races are open to all runners who meet the eligibility criteria, with the European titles going to athletes representing European countries. Both distances also offer a qualifying route to the XTERRA Trail World Championship, held in 2027 on Gozo, Malta, through the age-group qualification system. Runners can come to test themselves against the best in their category, or simply discover a new course at their own pace.
Landry BenoitTechnical Director for Trail at XTERRA

Runners can also line up for the Ultra Trail des Balcons d'Azur, at 68 km and 3,270 m of vert, which is not part of the XTERRA European Championship program.