XTERRA Alabama Series Resumes on Oct. 24

Monte Sano Trail Run will offer several challenges

Temperatures are dropping in Alabama, but the competition is rising in the XTERRA Alabama Trail Run Series.

The XTERRA Monte Sano Trail Run, which is the second race in the Alabama Series, is set for Sunday, Oct. 24, at Huntsville, Ala.

The Monte Sano Trail Run will feature two separate courses, a 15-kilometer course for experienced runners, and a 5-kilometer course for less-experienced runners. Both courses will be set at Monte Sano State Park.

The 15-kilometer course will offer unique challenges, including several steep climbs and drops, and a section through a natural rock tunnel. The course will have more than 400 feet of elevation changes.

Several of the top trail runners in the state are expected to enter the 15k race, including Brandon Mader of Huntsville and Amanda Blake Coile of Birmingham. Mader and Coile were the men's and women's winners, respectively, at the first race in the Alabama Series.

"It's a tough course; there are elevation changes and it's technical with a lot of roots and rocks," race director Tim Schroer said. "But the weather is shaping up to be really nice and we should have some cool temperatures."

The Monte Sano Trail Run is the second of three races in the 2010-11 XTERRA Alabama Trail Run Series, and is open to runners of all ages. Age groups range from 9-younger to 80-older.

Entries are still being accepted. Entry fees are $35 for the 15k course, and $30 for the 5k. Fees rise $5 per runner for race-day registration.

For more information visit www.xterratrailrun.com or www.dirtyspokes.com.

XTERRA Monte Sano Trail Run

What: 15-kilometer and 5-kilometer trail runs
Where: Monte Sano State Park, Huntsville, Ala.
When: Sunday, Oct. 24, 8:30 a.m. start
Entry fees: $35 for 15k course, $30 for 5k course (fees rise $5 per runner for race-day registration)
Online registration: www.xterratrailrun.com or www.dirtyspokes.com

© 2013 TEAM Unlimited LLC