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XTERRA Canada September 5

The XTERRA Canada Championship will be held September 5th in Whistler, British Columbia, one of the most beautiful settings on earth.  Up for grabs will be $10,000 in pro prize money, national titles for Canadian amateurs, and 40 qualifying spots into the XTERRA World Championship in Maui.
 
The course is being designed by Grant Lamont, who has been putting on major events in the area for more than 20 years. Lamont knows the trails and terrain intimately and has woven together a "wicked track".

The Championship race will start with a 2 lap 1500m swim in crystal clear Alpha Lake with stunning views of the snow capped peaks and lush green forests that surround the valley.

The bike course features some of Whistler’s best trails with more than 400m of climbing each lap on soft, purpose built single-track with incredibly well placed ramps and bridges over rushing creeks and green mossy forest floor.

There are also some fun and exciting technical features to keep athletes focused, but nothing too intimidating or dangerous, just challenging and exciting, say organizers. The bike course is roughly 12km per lap with lots of climbing and descending and plenty of room for passing.

The run will take place on rugged trails featuring a creek crossing as well as steep ups and downs. A fast flat finish into the luxurious grounds of the host Hotel, the Nita Lake Lodge (pictured above), will kick off refreshments and a BBQ for athletes. The run is 5km for the sport and 10km for the championship distance and features close to 300m of climbing each lap.

Of note, Whistler's altitude is 700m above sea level and the air is moist and clean. Inexpensive accommodations are available at the Olympic Athletes Village or treat yourself at the Nita Lake Lodge. Sport and Championship distance is offered with a team option in the Championship distance only. A duathlon is also available for those athletes looking to stay dry with the added bonus of a team duathlon. 

More information at www.xterracanada.ca