Xterra Sleeping Giant
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Event overview
XTERRA Sleeping Giant takes place in Thunder Bay, Ontario, with race activity centered around Boulevard Lake and Kinsmen Park. The event is part of the XTERRA World Tour and is scheduled for August 16, 2026. Races include off-road triathlon, duathlon and trail run formats. The venue uses purpose-built mountain bike and recreation trails in the Shuniah Mines / Trowbridge Forest and areas near the lakehead of Lake Superior.
Courses and races
Distances and main formats include:
- 1500 m swim, 26 km bike, 10 km run : Full Distance Triathlon (individual and relay)
- 750 m swim, 15 km bike, 5 km run : Sprint Distance Triathlon
- 300 m swim, 8 km bike, 3 km run : Super Sprint Triathlon
- 5 km run, 26 km bike, 10 km run : Full Distance Duathlon
- 25 km Trail Half Marathon
- 10 km Trail Run
- 5 km Trail Run
The bike course is mountain-bike only and uses a mix of bike path, doubletrack and singletrack. The trails used for the race loop are rated green or blue (easy to moderate). The run course mixes gravel path, doubletrack and singletrack, with punchy rolling hills and some technical features. There are two transition areas: the swim start and transition 1 at Boulevard Lake, and transition 2 at Kinsmen Park. Run events start from Kinsmen Park. Some sections of trail allow passing on doubletrack.
Logistics and other information
The event offers World Championship slot allocations (noted as 26 WC slots and 28 TRWC slots). Direct qualifiers may choose a slot for 2025 or 2026; roll-downs and bonus slots are for 2026 only. Registration windows noted in the event materials include an Early Bird deadline (March 2), a final price increase (July 12) and online registration closing (August 2). The organizer states that all purchases are final with no refunds, transfers or rollovers. The event recommends preparation for variable mid-August weather; water quality and lake temperature will be monitored and the swim may be shortened or converted to a duathlon if necessary. Travel access is via Highway 11/17 or Highway 61 and flights arrive at Thunder Bay Airport. Accommodation options include about 40 hotels and nearby campgrounds. Volunteer roles number about 50-75. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
