Third Annual XTERRA Race at The Rez

XTERRA Race At The Rez

Date: August 1, 2010
Location: Essex Vermont
Venue: Indian Brook Reservoir
Course Distance: ¾ mile swim, 10 mile bike, 4 mile run
Website: www.racetherez.com
Email: mbrislin@ccsuvt.org

Essex Junction Recreation and Parks and Essex Parks and Recreation are excited to announce that August 1, 2010, is the date for the 3rd Annual XTERRA Race At The Rez at Indian Brook Reservoir in Essex, Vermont.  The triathlon is one of over 60 points series races held in the United States.  Competitors earn points based on their finishing place.  Racers use these points to vie for the title of XTERRA Regional Champion, thus qualifying for the XTERRA USA Championship held in Utah at the end of the 2010 season.

The race course starts with a two lap ¾ of a mile swim in the clear waters of Indian Brook Reservoir.  Kelly Ault from Middlesex, Vermont and a veteran XTERRA racer explains what sets this course apart from other XTERRA races in the region - "Indian Brook's clear water is a little magical in the way that it stretches along the forest and boulders - it looks like the opposite shore is close until you are swimming in the middle of the lake!" All racers then head out on a two lap, 10-mile mountain biking course, where racers start with a climb to Overlook Point with fantastic views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. "The challenging bike begins to climb and wind around the lake with classic New England rocky terrain with steep little ups and undulating downhills." said Ault.  Racers then head back to the transition area before heading out onto the four mile trail run.  Ault says that the run can be deceiving, "the two lap finish allows runners to pace for what they have left and get a lift from spectators before the last push.  Although the run follows a wide and well-maintained trail, it's rolling nature seems a lot harder when racers are tired!"

On July 31, 2010 there will be the 2nd Annual Kids Race starting at 3PM after pre-registration and packet pickup.  The XTERRA Kids Race features a 100-meter swim, a 2-mile mountain bike course, and a 1-mile run.  Mark Brislin, Race Director, explains "This is a great way to introduce kids to a multisport competition.  All of the kids have a great time and they are not worried about who is in first, just that they give 100 percent and complete the course."

The Race at the Rez race draws people not only from Vermont and the Northeast, but competitors have come from as far as Hawaii.  When asked what he likes best about XTERRA Race at the Rez, Paul Stapley from Montreal, Canada, replied "Race at the Rez typifies the spirit of XTERRA:  A friendly, unique multisport experience. It's a great lake swim in pristine water, a gritty, lung-busting bike ride/hike and a fast footrace to finish.  All good fun."  Stapley chooses to race the XTERRA off road circuit because he got totally bored with the monotony of road triathlons and instead of becoming a couch potato, he decided to try something new.  "I have seen some fantastic places and met some super people.  Every time someone mentions XTERRA, I always smile and think of good times!  Great for the athlete and even better for the family," explained Paul.

Registration for XTERRA Race at the Rez is now open.  For more information and to register, visit www.racetherez.com, or call 878-1375.