Atlantic Series
2013 Atlantic Series Schedule
3/9/13 – XTERRA Brandywine Creek Trail Run – Wilmington, DE – 12km/5km – Atlantic Series #1 2013
4/6/13 – XTERRA Seneca Creek Trail Run – Gaithersburg, MD - 10km/5km – Atlantic Series #2 2013
5/25/13 – XTERRA Lums Pond Trail Run – Bear, DE – 10km/5km – Atlantic Series #3 2013
6/22/13 – XTERRA Big Elk Trail Run – Elkton, MD - 42km/21km – Atlantic Series #4 2013
The XTERRA Trail Run Series has hit the trails near the Pacific Ocean for several years. Now it will also make its way to the Atlantic.
The XTERRA Atlantic Trail Run Series will make its debut in 2013, bringing races to the states of Delaware and Maryland. The 2013 schedule will feature four races (two in each state) – March 9 at Wilmington, Delaware; April 6 at Gaithersburg, Maryland; May 25 at Bear, Delaware; June 22 at Elkton, Maryland.
“Delaware has a strong trail system, ranging from rocky and rooted hilly trails to smooth dirt that is frequented by both runners and mountain bikers,” Atlantic Series director Kristen Thomas said. “Maryland parks are in no shortage, either, as they are all over the place and are all frequently used and raced on. There is a very wide range with the Eastern states presenting some smoother, rolling terrain, and the terrain getting more mountainous as you reach the Appalachian Trail.”
Here are Thomas’ course descriptions for each race in the Atlantic Series:
XTERRA Brandywine Creek Trail Run: A hilly course with a couple steep climbs and about half the cours on technical rocks and roots with the other half through rolling grassy trails. The trails will take runners through a mix of forested trails and open fields, and there will be approximately 1,200 feet of elevation gain/loss throughout the 12K course. The technicality could be rated as a 3.5 (out of 5) and the hills are about a 4 (out of 5).
- XTERRA Seneca Creek Trail Run: A large variety, ranging from wooded lakeside trail to peaceful pine forests. This course is not overly technical or hilly, but there are lots of roots to keep you alert. There will be approximately 300 feet of elevation gain/loss throughout the 10K course. The technicality rates at about a 2 (out of 5), with the hills also around 2 (out of 5).
- XTERRA Lums Pond Trail Run: If you’re looking for a fast course, this is it. This race will feature a flat dirt path with a few roots and rocks to keep you aware. There is only about 100 feet of elevation gain/loss, but the course will take runners through forested fields overlooking a peaceful pond. The technicality rating would be around a 2 (out of 5), with the hills a 1 (out of 5).
- The XTERRA Big Elk Trail Run: This is the spotlight race of the series, as it will feature a full-marathon (42K) and half-marathon (21K) course. It will feature consistently rolling terrain with some roots and rocks. It is mostly forested trails with some open fields and stream crossings. There will be approximately 3,000 feet of elevation gain/loss on the full-marathon course. Both the technicality and hill ratings would be about a 3 (out of 5).
Points will be awarded after each race to the top runners in each respective age group. Standings will be updated throughout the season, and at the conclusion of the series, each age-group winner will receive a free entry to run at the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship at Ogden, Utah, in September of 2013.
Atlantic is one of 16 regions that will host an XTERRA Trail Run Series in 2013. The others are Alabama, Arizona, Southern California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Oregon, Pocono, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Washington.
For more information on the XTERRA Atlantic Trail Run Series, please CLICK HERE.