Bend, Oregon hosts off-road half-marathon to close XTERRA U.S. Trail Run Series
Since October of last year thousands have taken part in the XTERRA U.S. Trail Run Series and through the trials of these 50 races, spanning 15 states from coast-to-coast, some of the country's top trail runners have emerged and are headed to Bend, Oregon for the XTERRA Trail Running National Championship on Saturday, September 27. The series-ending race is attracting some of the best trail runners and multi-sport athletes on the planet and promises keen competition (and to be a blast).
From near and far, for fun or fame, the XTR Nationals half-marathon "Xduro" has attracted an eclectic group of runners representing 20+ states. They are college students, doctors, teachers and firefighters - all united by a love for the outdoors, the search for a great place to run away from cars and busy city streets and the sense of peace, exploration and discovery that running trails provides.
Bend, called "America's Best Trail Running Town" by Outside Magazine, is the perfect spot for such pursuits, and a breeding ground for great outdoor athletes. Some of the big names from Bend racing in the championship include Max King (who just won a six-day 125 mile race through the Rockies), ultra-runner extraordinaire Kami Semick, two-time Dirty Half winner and world class steeplechase competitor Lisa Nye and speedster Damon Kluck.
Some heavy competition is headed their way in the form of three guys from the 2008 U.S. Mountain Running Team (Richard Bolt, Joseph Gray and Simon Gutierrez), triathlon turned trail running legend Heather Fuhr (1997 Ironman World Champ, Triathlete Hall-of-Famer), two-time USATF Masters Mountain Runner of the Year Lisa Goldsmith, 17 XTERRA Trail Run Series champs from Chicago, SoCal, Georgia, Utah, Oregon and Philly as well as a trio of defending XTERRA Trail Run National Champs in Kevin Tuck, Michelle Racicot and Robin Linfield. Plus, with registration open until the night before the race there's no telling what ringers will show up on the start line.
The off-road half-marathon (13.1 mile / 21.1K) starts in the historic Old Mill District. Under a special use permit from the Deschutes National Forest, the national championship runs from downtown to pristine forest trails in a matter of miles then weaves along the scenic Deschutes River trail that serves up some of Bend's finest scenery. Runners can expect a fast and fun course with lots of switchbacks on sandy, rocky and dirt-strewn single and double track trails. There is a little more than 1,000 feet of elevation gain, and the first 1/2 mile or so is on a paved urban trail on the east side of the river before crossing over the footbridge adjacent to Farewell Bend Park and onto west side dirt trails.
The fastest runners will be racing for $5000 in Open prize money - awarded to the top five men and women as follows: $1000, $600, $400, $300 and $200. XTERRA will also be crowning national champs in age groups starting at 9 & under, then every five years (ex. 10-14, 15-19, etc.) up to 80+. Champs win a commemorative long-sleeve winners T and all racers get a short sleeve shirt and goody bag.
While the Series best runners have already proven their worth in rollicking races around the nation, one-and-all are welcome to take them on and race for the championship as no qualification is necessary. For more information, go to: XTERRAPlanet.com.
Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director
(805) 696-6232; Fax = (805) 659-0016
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.RunningUSA.org.
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