XTERRA Trail Running National Championship

Bend, Oregon: September 17-18, 2010

Those of us who live in Bend know full well the beauty and recreational opportunities afforded by our urban trails, as they wind along the Deschutes River and through pine forests. Now, an entire nation of trail runners will know. The XTERRA Trail Running National Championship takes place in Bend, Oregon this year, with hundreds of runners hitting the dirt to compete for the coveted title.
But what is XTERRA?
Self described, XTERRA produces “the most recognizable, enjoyable, root slipping, mud hopping, tree ducking, river crossing, hill climbing, dirt on your shirt, sweat in your eye trail runs this side of Grandma’s house.”
And there is no better place for the national championships than Bend, Oregon, with a 5K, 10K, and half marathon. Kids have the chance to participate in the free Kids Sprint, and also to enjoy the XTERRA Kids Zone challenge stations.
Launching from the Old Mill District, the half marathon will serve up some of Bend’s finest scenery on a fast and fun course, including lots of switchbacks on sandy, rocky, and dirt-strewn single and double track trails. Runners will make their way along the Widgi Creek Golf Nationals Runner course, on single and double track trails along the rim of the Deschutes River Canyon, and then head upstream along the Deschutes River to Meadow Camp.
The return takes them back down the same track they embarked on and into an XTERRA-style celebration at the finish line located smack dab in Center Plaza of the Old Mill District (between Anthony’s and the Gap).

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday, September 17
12:00-6:00pm – Registration & packet pick up @ Fleet Feet Bend (1320 NW Galveston)
12:30pm – XTERRA University, presented by Paul Mitchell, featuring Rod Bien, the owner of Fleet Feet and one of the nation’s best ultra runners.

Saturday, September 18
7:00am – Packet pick up at XTERRA Expo in the Old Mill District (Sorry, no race day registration)
8:00am – XTERRA Expo open
9:00am – XTERRA Trail Running National Championship Half Marathon Start
9:05am – XTERRA 5km and 10km Trail Run starts
9:00am-2:00pm – Paul Mitchell Hair Cut-a-Thon, a benefit for the Challenged Athletes Foundation
9:00am-2:00pm – XTERRA Kids Zone challenge stations open
9:20am/9:40am – 5km/10km winners expected
10:06/10:19am – Men’s and Women’s National Championship winner expected
11:00am – XTERRA Kids Sprint (free)