Dix, Kucharski Back on Top at Start of XTERRA Series

Seven days of rain drenching Philadelphia did not scare away area runners from kicking off the 2009 XTERRA Philly Trail Run Series last night. The XTERRA Warwick Park Revenge Trail Run forced runners to trudge through 5 kilometers of mud as they fought to earn their first points of the season.

Dan Dix, 30, and Jerilyn Kucharski, 27, started off right where they ended last year by finishing as the top male and female winners. Both Dix and Kucharski, from Coatesville and Quakertown, PA respectively, had perfect scores during the 2008 season and were crowned XTERRA Regional Champions. After yesterday’s event, it looks like they are as strong as ever.

Dix turned in a blazing time of 19:48 crossing the finish line 30 seconds ahead of runner-up Derek Schultz from Spring City. Kucharski clocked the women’s winning time of 23:25 edging out Michaele Roat who came in just over a minute later. Claiming the third place title was XTERRA Ambassador Sue Anne Clark of Bryn Mawr in 25 minutes flat.

Race director Don Morrison was worried about Mother Nature ruining the event but was thrilled with the turnout despite the impending weather. “Lots of fun was had by all in the mud” he beamed after the race.

Since this was just the first race in the 2009 XTERRA Philly Trail Run Series, runners still have plenty of opportunities to add points toward their series totals. Those finishing the season with top scores will be crowned Regional Champions and win free entry to the XTERRA Trail Running National Championship on September 13 in Bend, Oregon. From there, runners can say aloha to the Hawaiian island of Oahu during the XTERRA Trail Running World Championship on December 6. Visit www.xterratrailrun.com for more information.

Up next: The XTERRA Hibernia Park Blast 5km Trail Run in Coatesville, PA on May 20.

Complete race results are attached and more information can be found online at www.xterratrailrun.com. Media interested in photos from this event should contact emily@xterraplanet.com.

2009 XTERRA PHILLY TRAIL RUN SERIES
XTERRA Hibernia Park Blast Trail Run 5km – 5/20/09 Coatesville, PA
XTERRA Warwick Park Ruckus Trail Run 5km – 6/3/09 Pottstown, PA
XTERRA Hibernia Park Challenge Trail Run 8km – 6/17/09 - Coatesville, PA
XTERRA Bear Creek Xduro Trail Run 10/21km – 7/19/09 – Macungie, PA

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