Getting Dirty Plays a Major Part of This Run

   Sign up online at
   www.premierraces.com


(Columbus, OH) Running up a lot of hills, stomping on the fallen leaves, ravaging through tough terrain and jumping through rocky creeks is just part of the adventure of an XTERRA Scramble - and it's happening in Columbus this Saturday, October 22, at Alum Creek State Park at 9:00 a.m.

Competitors will have a choice of a 5k or a 10k challenge, taking part in the in-your-face fun of an off road running event. 

"It's a tough course with all of the natural obstacles, but that's the unique element of an XTERRA Scramble," noted Jeff Glaze, race producer.  "It's the next level of running, enabling someone's endurance and grit to be tested all the way to the finish line."

XTERRA is a name associated with worldwide adventure, extreme multi-sport events and challenges that touch the soul of every participating athlete.  XTERRA is now bringing that same spirit to cities across the country and throughout Ohio for the recreational athlete. 

The XTERRA® Trail Run Scramble Series offers "do-able adventures" for runners looking for the challenge only nature and XTERRA can offer - leaping over rocks and roots, climbing hills and trails, and running through creeks and ravines.  A SCRAMBLE is a twisting, turning escape from pounding the pavement.  A SCRAMBLE is fun and on the edge.

The cost to participate in the XTERRA Scramble Columbus is $30.00 for the 10k and $25.00 for the 5k.  Registration is available at www.premierraces.com, by calling (513) 309-4434, at Fleet Feet Sports on Polaris Parkway, October 17 - 21, or on race morning at 8:00 a.m.

Awards will be given to the top 3 men/women overall, and in each age category:  19 & under, 20 - 29, 30 - 39, 40 - 49, 50 - 59, 60+.

The run is aimed at the health and wellness runner looking for an off-road running challenge while benefiting a local organization.

The inception of the XTERRA Scramble Series came from the XTERRA Foundation's goal to reach out to at-risk children and teach them how to deal with adversity and competition at an early age.   The more opportunity a child has, the better the odds for a successful outcome.

Each event has partnered with a local non-profit organization which will benefit directly from the XTERRA Foundation and the XTERRA Scramble Series.  The local beneficiary will be directly tied to the community and fulfill the Foundation's mission of reaching out to kids by having both a direct financial benefit and the chance, in most venues, to participate in the event itself. 

"The Foundation offers XTERRA a chance to make a difference by teaching kids about a healthy lifestyle and a healthy approach to competition and the training that goes with it," explained Tom Kiely, CEO of XTERRA and Team Unlimited.  "We're athletes, not educators, but we do understand the concept of 'prepared to win.'  We want to pass this on to kids across America."

In light of the recent hurricanes in the Gulf area, the XTERRA Scramble Trail Runs in Ohio will benefit the victims of this horrific disaster.  All or part of the beneficiary proceeds will be directed to the American Red Cross from the XTERRA Foundation. 

"Helping children with a healthy lifestyle through training and competition is our mission through these XTERRA Scramble events.  For many of the children in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama, their needs are more basic because their world has been torn apart.  We want to help ensure these needs are met," commented co-race director Rich Williams.

XTERRA began as an off-road, multi-sport competition on Maui in 1996.  From there it has grown into the XTERRA Global Tour including over 90 events in 14 countries with thousands of participants.  XTERRA is now the word's fastest growing multi-sport event.

XTERRA's philosophy plays into every event initiated and produced:  "We are a world community, accessible to anyone with enough heart and determination to defy physical difficulty.  Mother Nature is our greatest competitor.  We transcend national borders.  We are brought together by a shared challenge and we are forged in spirit, friendship and respect."

© 2013 TEAM Unlimited LLC