Sign up for our free newsletter:
XTERRA
RACES TRAIL RUN TRAINING COMMUNITY TV NEWS TRAVEL GEAR
NEWS

Divider line


XTERRA Solstice Race Report



By Chris Appleton, XTERRA Rep

La Grande, Oregon June 23, 2007

With plenty of sunshine and lots of daylight (Summer Solstice) the 2007 XTERRA Solstice in La Grande Oregon was a success for all involved. A cool morning swim in Morgan Lake, just outside of La Grande, was quickly replaced by near perfect temperatures for the bike and run segments.

The 1K swim in Morgan Lake, with a water temperature of about 65 degrees, required wetsuits by all competitors but the very hardiest or those seeking some kind of polar bear challenge. Wetsuits were recommended. Once out of the lake, participants were treated to a very challenging, but fun, 25k bike course that consisted of mostly forested single track with lots of climbs and descents. The bike course in La Grande is made possible by cooperation of public and private landowners agreeing to allow a single track trail to be constructed across properties. Much appreciation goes out to these landowners for allowing such a trail to be built. It’s a fantastic course. Upon completing the bike course, participants went for a 10k run that encircles the lake and surrounding forest. Another “out in nature” experience.

In the men’s division, Adam Wirth of Boise, ID and Eric Atwood of Seattle, WA battled it out for the victory. At the finish, Adam edged out Eric by a little over two minutes to take the overall win in 2:32:04.

The women’s division was even closer. Local La Grande resident Korrie Dubray took the victory over Brandyn Roark Gray of Sandpoint, ID by a narrow 23 seconds. Korrie’s overall time was 3:05:13.

After the race, athletes, spectators, friends and family were all treated to a barbecue washed down with plenty of Gatorade and water. It was nice just to hang out and enjoy the natural beauty this area has to offer.

Congratulations to all who participated in this years race and special thanks to race director Mary Ellen LaBerge, James (local trail guru and builder) and Mark at Cyclesports for having packet pick up at his store and helping produce a top notch XTERRA race.  
XTERRA