Arizona Trail Run Series Starts This Weekend

Estrella Mountain race is first of four events for 2012-13 season

The XTERRA Arizona Trail Run Series will begin its third season this weekend, with more than 300 runners expected to hit the trails at Estrella Mountain Park in Goodyear, Ariz.

The XTERRA Estrella Mountain Trail Run is set for Sunday, October 7, and it will be the first of four events in the 2012-13 season for the XTERRA Arizona Trail Run Series.

Every event in the series is open to runners of all ages and skill levels. This weekend's event will feature two courses - a 20-kilometer course for experienced runners, and an 8-kilometer course for less-experienced runners and sprinters.

The Arizona Series has seen significant growth during its first two years. Last season, there was an average of more than 300 runners per event, and runners from 18 different states (other than Arizona) participated.

"I'm so happy to see that the sport is catching on and others are gaining a similar appreciation for the sport as I have," said Jeanine Cordova, who won her age division (30-34) at every race in the series last season. "There are so many beautiful places to explore out here within minutes of driving."

After this weekend's race, other events will follow in January, February and March of 2013. Each event in the series will offer a long course and a short course to accommodate the various levels of runners.

The top runners in each respective age group will earn points at each race toward the overall standings. At the conclusion of the series, the top runner in each age group will be declared an Arizona Series Champion, and will earn a free entry to represent Arizona at the 2013 XTERRA Trail Run National Championship.

Arizona is one of 13 regions that are hosting an XTERRA Trail Run Series for the 2012-13 season. The others are Alabama, Northern California, Southern California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Pacific Northwest, Pocono, Puerto Rico, South Carolina and Texas.

To register for a race or learn more about the series, please visit www.aztrailrace.com.

XTERRA ESTRELLA MOUNTAIN TRAIL RUN
When: Sunday, October 7; 7 a.m. start
Where: Estrella Mountain Park, Goodyear, Arizona
Who: Open to runners of all ages and skill levels
Courses: 20K or 8K
Entry fees: $50 for 20K, $45 for 8K (add $10 for race-day registration at site)
Information/online registration: www.aztrailrace.com

2012-13 XTERRA Arizona Trail Run Series
October 7, 2012 - XTERRA Estrella Mountain Trail Run (Goodyear, Ariz.), 20K/8K
January 6, 2013 - XTERRA White Tanks Trail Run (Waddell, Ariz.), 20K/7K
February 3, 2013 - XTERRA McDowell Mountain Trail Run (Fountain Hills, Ariz.), 24K/7K
March 24, 2013 - XTERRA Black Canyon Trail Run (Rock Springs, Ariz.), 21K/9K

© 2013 TEAM Unlimited LLC