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XTERRA is Thankful for the Inaugural Winter World Championship

THIS WEEK:  XTERRA is thankful for the inaugural Winter World Championship that gives us the chance to play in the snow, for 20 Degrees North who is XTERRA Gear’s new licensee for footwear, apparel and accessories, and for the XTERRA SoCal Trail Run Series that is hosting the annual Turkey Trot 5k/10k/15k on Saturday.

Also of note this week, we have set new dates for the XTERRA USA (Oct. 5) and World (Oct. 26) Championships.

THIS WEEKEND:

11/24 – XTERRA Topanga Turkey Trot (Topanga, CA)

11/25 – XTERRA Oconee Heritage Park Half-Marathon Trail Run (Farmington, GA)

WINTER WORLDS:  The details surrounding the XTERRA Winter World Championship are starting to crystallize and new information is being posted regularly at xterrawinter.com.

We are in the process of creating a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page now, so please email trey@xterraplanet.com with any thoughts, suggestions, or questions about Winter Worlds.

XTERRA GEAR HEADING 20 DEGREES NORTH:  In perhaps the most significant alliance in the history of XTERRA, 20 Degrees North has been awarded the license to design, market, and produce performance and lifestyle footwear, apparel, and accessories under the XTERRA brand name.

“We’re very fortunate to have this new relationship with 20 Degrees North, an organization filled with talent and creativity that has a tremendous track record in gear and apparel,” said Tom Kiely, CEO of TEAM Unlimited (owners and producers of the XTERRA off-road triathlon and trail running series).

The first products for running, trail running and outdoor training will be launched in January at the Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City, UT and will be ready for market in the summer of 2008.  All products, geared for the ageless, active-minded athlete, draw their inspiration from the roots of the XTERRA Race Series.

"Athletes are being redefined, changing from traditional sports like football and basketball to outdoor sports, and the outdoor athlete is where the growth and excitement in this industry is coming from," said Greg Niel, CEO of 20 Degrees North.  "Over the last 12 years XTERRA has championed the outdoor athlete and because of their hard work and effort XTERRA is a recognizable brand that lends itself to a wide variety of products in the athletic outdoor space."

XTERRA’s new line will include footwear by two ex-Nike designers who have also developed products for Puma and Steve & Barry's, including the award-winning Marbury I shoe.

“XTERRA performance footwear is technically designed to react much like a four-wheel drive rally car. Our unique bottom construction allows for optimal traction, balance, comfort, cushioning and weight. With the onset of the new XTERRA Trail Run Global Series we have access to the ultimate testing laboratory for trail running,” said Niel.

According to the Outdoor Industry Association, 40 million people run off-pavement.  With category sales – like the terrain these athletes crave – considerably less than flat, 20 Degrees North starts the race to keep pace with one of the industries’ fastest growing segments.

“Our passion is to champion human potential. It’s at the center of what we do. We are building performance products that meet the needs of the outdoor athlete and enthusiast,” said Neil.

GOBBLE GOBBLE – XTERRA STYLE:  This Saturday, November 24th, a sold-out field of 300 trail runners will take over Trippet Ranch in Topanga State Park for the XTERRA Topanga Turkey Trot Trail Run.  Now in it’s twenty-sixth year, this race has become as traditional as pumpkin pie.  Fun for competitors and their companions, the Turkey Trot was rated the “Best Post Event Party” by LA Sports & Fitness Magazine in 2004 and 2005.

The 5K event features a “Huge Scramblin’ Turkey” for the children to chase and is a fun run for anyone who wants to escape from the city and enjoy the cliffs and canyons of the Santa Monica Mountains.  

The 10K and 15K are ideal for competitive runners who revel in a challenge.  The rugged courses are staged on a fusion of fire-roads and single-track trails that begin and end at Trippet Ranch.  The 15K transports participants to a climb up a fire-road that leads to Hub Junction and a loop on the lovely Garapito Trail.

Proceeds from this, and every XTERRA SoCal Trail Run Series event, benefit the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.  Founded in 1901, the hospital has been treating the most seriously ill and injured children in Los Angeles for more than a century.

For more info visit xterratrailrun.com

RACE DATE CHANGES (Yes, Already!):  Last week we previewed the 2008 XTERRA Global Tour schedule and this week we’ve got changes. The XTERRA USA Championship has been moved to October 4-5 (still based out of the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe in Incline Village, NV) and the XTERRA World Championship is now on October 26 at the Maui Prince Hotel.