2009 XTERRA Trail Run National Champions
MEET THE XTERRA TRAIL RUN SERIES CHAMPS
JONATHAN RIHEL
Danville, California
NorCAL 20-24 SERIES CHAMPION
Personal: September 20, 1985 . . . assistant manager of Fleet Feet Sports.
Jonathan took up running after playing baseball and soccer for 10 years. During the 2009 season, Jonathans first competing in XTERRA events, he competed at XTERRA Redwood Peak and XTERRA Marin Headlands, where he finished 10th overall. He has a background running track and cross-country where he raced in many California state events and National Championships. His biggest motivation is pushing his body to its limitations while exploring new running spots.
XTERRA Trail Runs are . . . “brutal and exciting.”
CHARLES LANTZ
San Francisco, California
NorCAL 25-29 SERIES CHAMPION
Personal: Born January 12, 1982
Charles competed in the XTERRA Redwood Peak Trail Run, capturing a second place finish in his age group of 25-29, and the Marin Headlands Trail Run in the 2009 season, which was his first competing in the XTERRA Trail Run Series. Besides the Trail Run National Championship, he also has his sights set on the Denver Marathon in October. An interesting fact about Charles is that he was born and raised in Germany and saw the fall of the Berlin Wall.
XTERRA Trail Runs are . . . “INTENSE! There always seems to be one last climb that you never saw coming!”
DONENE VUKOVICH
Cameron Park, California
NorCAL 30-34 SERIES CHAMPION
Personal: Born September 26, 1978 . . . wife, mom, massage therapist, and student.
Donene was the definition of consistency by finishing 2nd in her age group in all three Nor Cal Series events. Her best time finish in the 2009 XTERRA Nor Cal Series, which was her first racing with XTERRA, was 1:49:40 at the XTERRA Chanoko Xduro Trail Run in Granite Bay, CA. Along with her XTERRA success, Donene has been ranked nationally in the 800 m and mile as a junior, won the women’s title at Romancing the Island 12K in March of 2008, won her age group in the 2008 Folsom Lake Trail Series 10K, and placed in the top 5 numerous times in tandem cross country races. Donene is looking forward to competing with top athletes from around the country as well as celebrating her 3rd anniversary with her husband while in Bend.
XTERRA Trail Runs are . . . “FUN! Very strenuous, exhilarating, and challenging.”
ARACELLY CLOUSE
Cameron Park, California
NorCAL 35-39 SERIES CHAMPION
Personal: Born January 1, 1973 . . . mom (3 boys), owner of Running Rascals, personal trainer, and assistant cross country coach.
Aracelly has been dominant in the Nor Cal Trail Run Series, winning the female overall title in all three events. This is her first year competing in the trail running series, although she competed in the XTERRA triathlon series from 2003-2006, in 2006 she competed as a Pro. She has been to Hawaii three times to compete in the XTERRA World Championship (triathlon series), and completed many marathons and half marathons. Besides the XTERRA events, Aracelly also plans on competing in the California International Marathon in December. Running has been a part of Aracelly’s life from a young age. She recalls running to and from elementary school because walking was too slow! She loves trail running because in clears her mind and recharges her soul.
XTERRA Trail Runs are . . . “Challenging, exciting, and an awesome way to get some me time.”
LAUREL KATO
San Rafael, California
NorCAL 45-49 SERIES CHAMPION
Personal: Born July 29th, 1961 . . . personal trainer/nutrition advisor.
Laurel has competed in the XTERRA Redwood Peak Trail Run and the XTERRA Marin Headlands Trail Run in the 2009 XTERRA season, which is her first competing in XTERRA events. She is also planning on competing in the Nike Half Marathon in October. Laurel also races for Luna Bar to help raise money for the Breast Cancer Fund. Her involvement with Luna, she is the captain of San Rafael’s 225-member Team Luna Chix, resulted in her and Team Luna being featured in the July 2008 issue of Marin Magazine.
XTERRA Trail Runs are . . . “for the fittest.”
RON PAQUETTE
Los Angeles, California
SoCAL 50-54 SERIES CHAMPION
Personal: Born May 23, 1958…hematologist
Ron earned the title of XTERRA SoCal 50-54 Regional Champion with a perfect score having won his division in all six of the events that he raced. As if that wasn’t accomplishment enough, Ron completed his goal of running in 50 marathons before the age of 50. He has been racing with XTERRA for seven years and loves off-road running because of its amazing scenery that changes with every run.
BARBARA PETERSON
Berkeley, California
NorCAL 50-54 SERIES CHAMPION
Personal: Born May 9, 1956…author, sports psychologist, motivational speaker, marketing consultant
Barbara has been part of the XTERRA family since 2001. She has countless age group wins in the off-road triathlon series including four at the premier XTERRA World Championship on Maui, and this year she can also boast her title as regional champion of the XTERRA NorCal Trail Run Series. In 2009, when not competing in her 4 triathlon and 2 trail run events, she is a master of all trades, wife, and mother to two beautiful daughters.
HEATHER D’ANNA
San Diego, California
SoCAL 25-29 SERIES CHAMPION
Personal: Born August 23, 1984…graduate student at San Diego State University
This may have been Heather’s first year racing with XTERRA, but she certainly came out in full force competing in all seven of the XTERRA SoCal Series events and putting a commanding lead on her age group. Growing up, she would ride her bike alongside her dad’s marathon training runs, and the passion stuck from there. “I don’t know what I would do if I had to stop running.” Right now she doesn’t have to as she sets her sights on Bend and then hopefully onto the XTERRA Trail Run Worlds in Hawaii.
BETTY CROWELL
Camarillo, California
SoCAL 50-54 SERIES CHAMPION
Personal: Born February 5, 1956…food and drug investigator.
For the second straight year, Betty has dominated the 50-54 age group in the XTERRA SoCal Series. She’s completed nearly every one of the SoCal trail races at some point over the last two years, and she has quite a racing schedule lined up for the fall. In addition to the XTERRA Trail Run Nationals and the two 50k ultramarathons she’s already completed, she will be racing in the Biz Johnson Marathon in October, the Two-Cities Marathon in November, the XTERRA Trail Running World Championship in December, and then just one week later, she will end with the Honolulu Marathon. Whew! Most would be exhausted just thinking about all that running.
CHERI UNO
Los Angeles, California
SoCAL 60-64 SERIES CHAMPION
Personal: Born January 14, 1947 . . . crime analyst.
Cheri has been competing in XTERRA trail running events for the past three years and has completed XTERRA Boney Mountain and XTERRA Malibu Creek, where she finished 1st and 2nd respectively in her age group, in the 2009 season. Cheri has been running for 33 years and prefers trail runs because she likes the hills, dirt, and nature. Her biggest motivation is to stay strong and healthy, have fun, meet new people, and see new places.
XTERRA Trail Runs are . . . “the best part of running and the best part of hiking and the best part of getting out of the cityscape.”
AMY GALBRAITH
Venice Beach, California
SoCAL 65-69 SERIES CHAMPION
Personal: Born April 8, 1943 . . . medical corporation accounts receivable manager.
Ambitious is an understatement when describing Amy, a three year XTERRA veteran. Thus far in 2009 she has competed in the XTERRA Mission Gorge Trail Run, XTERRA Black Mountain Trail Run, XTERRA Malibu Creek Trail Run, Ventura Olympic Triathlon, Napa Triathlon, Catalina Marathon, Disney World Marathon, Malibu Triathlon, and the Catalina Eco Marathon. If you don’t think that’s a tough enough schedule, Amy plans to compete in the Malibu International Distance Triathlon on September 12, fly to Bend after the race, and run in the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship. When asked about her grueling schedule Amy said, “I came to the decision I am just that insane. So lets give it a whirl.” Insane or not, Amy is looking to defend her age group national championship that she earned a year ago in Bend.
XTERRA Trail Runs are . . . “well, FUN. Opportunity of running with water and food support over a long distance.”
SUZANNE BROUSSARD
Woodstock, Georgia
GEORGIA 45-49 SERIES CHAMPION
Personal: Born February 25, 1964…accountant
It is safe to say that Suzanne’s Regional Champ title is one of the hardest earned throughout this season. Consisting of 9 races, the XTERRA Georgia Series is the longest of the year, and Suzanne can proudly boast perfect attendance. Season highlights include the XTERRA Thrill in the Hills Xduro mudfest and a 3rd place overall female finish at the XTERRA Silver Comet 10km Trail. As a busy accountant most of the year, this trip to Bend is the perfect escape for her and her husband.
XTERRA Trail Runs are… “challenging, fun, and much more fulfilling than road racing.”
CHARLES WEAVING III
Lawrenceville, Georgia
GEORGIA 15-19 SERIES CHAMPION
Personal: Born August 31, 1992…student
For the second straight year, Charles has emerged from the XTERRA Georgia Trail Run Series as a champion. At just 17-years old, Charles is breaking boundaries by racing events distancing up to 40 miles. Along with a number of XTERRA age group wins, Charles holds the state of Georgia’s age group records in the 50K trail and road races as well as the 40 mile distance. He is also the RRCA age group regional champion for the 50K. Charles enjoys trail running because of the “awesome challenge it throws. You really have to use your brain instead of just cruising through a course.”
XTERRA Trail Runs are… “short and sweet.”
WES BREEDING
Marietta, Georgia
GEORGIA 60-64 SERIES CHAMPION
Personal: Born January 11, 1945…retired firefighter
Wes started running in the late 1970’s as a way of staying in shape for his job as a firefighter, and the habit just stuck. In 2009, Wes competed in five XTERRA Georgia Trail Runs and numerous other running and cycling races around the country. Other than staying in good physical and mental shape, his biggest motivation in trail running is not finishing too far behind his wife Susan, who is also a 2009 XTERRA Georgia Trail Run Regional Champion. They are both looking forward to Bend as a way to run on the trails of another beautiful part of the United States.
CORRINE BANKS
Ocean City, Maryland
PHILLY 30-34 SERIES CHAMPION
Personal: Born December 22, 1979…personal trainer, fitness instructor, nutritional consultant
After an extremely impressive racing season, Corrine Banks has certainly earned some bragging rights. Not only was she crowned the regional champion for the XTERRA Philly Trail Run Series, she also qualified for the invite-only XTERRA USA Championship off-road triathlon. Under her racing belt in 2009 alone, she has numerous triathlons, a half-marathon, and adventure race and will compete in her first Ironman just two weeks after XTERRA Trail Run Nationals. So far, she has managed to place first in her age group and 1-4th place overall at every race. Her biggest motivations are seeing what her body can do and inspiring her daughter to set high goals and work to accomplish them.
XTERRA Trail Runs are… “unique and an experience that keeps you coming back for more.”
RICHARD BURGUNDER
Astoria, New York
NEW ENGLAND 30-34 SERIES CHAMPION
Personal: Born November 14, 1979…marketing analyst and fitness consultant
Richard has been quite an XTERRA all-star this year competing in three different XTERRA Trail Run Series, plus he travelled from New York to all three races in the New England Series to earn the regional champion title. Last year, he competed in both the XTERRA Trail Run Nationals and Worlds and is returning again in 2009 to challenge himself along with the rest of the elite field. According to Rich, “The entire XTERRA Series was a huge adrenaline rush and competing on the circuit was an exhilarating experience.” Not only is he fast, he also proved he is one tough competitor after racing in the XTERRA Muddy Moose with several broken ribs.
XTERRA Trail Runs are… “a wicked great time packed with adventure.”
MEET SOME OF THE OUT-OF-STATE CONTENDERS
SCOTT DUNLAP
Woodside, California
Personal: Born April 29, 1969 … CEO of NearbyNow, Inc. and trail run blogger extraordinaire
Scott Dunlap is one of the most trusted names in trail running. His blog, “A Trail Runner’s Blog” has been voted the best health and fitness blog by Forbes Magazine, and he was named the 2004 Runner of the Year by Trail Runner Magazine. Scott’s passion for trail running started in 2001. After quitting his New York City job just a few days before, he narrowly escaped the 9/11 tragedy and used running with his dog Rocky as a distraction. From there he was hooked and loves competing in events ranging anywhere from 5k to 100 miles. Although Scott has been racing with XTERRA for 3 years, the XTERRA Trail Running National Championship will be his first time racing in one of our half marathon distance Xduro events.
XTERRA Trail Runs are… “wicked fast!”
RACHEL CIESLEWICZ
Salt Lake City, Utah
Personal: Born December 12, 1979…massage therapist, personal trainer, pilates/yoga teacher
Rachel is a 29-year old race-aholic, if there can be such a thing. She loves to combine the elements of nature, challenging courses, and fierce, yet friendly competition amongst people who truly understand what it means to live. In her words, “It brings out my soul.” Rachel is a successful off and on-road triathlete, cyclist and trail runner. She has raced at several world championships over the past few years and continues to make leaps and bounds in the sports she loves as an elite amateur. When not training or racing, you can find her being an amazing mother to son Canyon.
DON WESLEY
Redmond, Washington
Personal: Born September 15, 1970…artist and designer
After serving time as a tank driver for the US Army, Don enrolled in Western Washington University where he began his career as an artist. He ran in both the 2008 XTERRA Trail Run National and World Championships, and Don’s biggest motivation for this year is to beat his previous times. He is excited to race in Bend because “It’s a chance to race against the best in the US at my favorite discipline and distance.”
XTERRA Trail Runs are... “the best of their kind.”
KENNETH GELJACK
Bristol, Indiana
Personal: Born September 22, 1947…business executive
Kenneth Geljack is one tough athlete. When not running his own business, he is a weekend warrior traveling around the country as an avid triathlete and trail runner. This year alone he has done several triathlons, including 2 XTERRA’s, four other half-marathons, and he even did a 70.3 Ironman while still recovering from extensive surgery. Last year he earned a third place age group finish at XTERRA Trail Run Nationals, and this year he is excited about returning to this “amazing venue” to protect his title.
XTERRA Trail Runs are… “scenic, challenging, well-organized, and is great locations.”
RENEE DRUCAS
San Diego, California
Personal: Born June 29, 1968 . . . director of manufacturing for a biotechnology company.
Renee comes to Bend excited about competing in her first Xduro. New to racing this year, Renee has completed XTERRA Mission Gorge and XTERRA Black Mountain, and plans to compete at XTERRA Crystal Cove at the end of the year. Besides XTERRA events, Renee has competed in America’s Finest City Half-Marathon and many other races, and plans to compete in the U.S. Women’s Triathlon in San Diego. In addition to running, Renee also enjoys hiking. Last year, accompanied by her mother, she hiked the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim.
XTERRA Trail Runs are . . . “Life-affirming.”
DAVE WILLIAMS
Atlanta, Georgia
Personal: Born March 21, 1971 . . . social media marketer.
In his first year racing in XTERRA events, Dave has completed the XTERRA Deep South Trail Run and the XTERRA Pig Trail Run. Following the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship he plans on racing in XTERRA Bull Mountain, the Mystery Mountain Marathon, and the ING Marathon in New York City. Running in nature, over hills, streams, rugged terrain, single tracks, and the trail running community turned Dave on to trail running. Dave’s sense of adventure has resulted in some epic accomplishments that include cycling through Vietnam in 2007, Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2008, and hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc earlier in 2009.
XTERRA Trail Runs are . . . “extremely fun and inspirational!”
DON MORRISON
West Brandywine, Pennsylvania
Personal: Born March 21, 1950…XTERRA Philly Trail Run Series race director and Chester County Running Store owner.
Don is one of XTERRA’s amazing race directors, and his Philly Trail Run Series had a fantastic 2009 season. Not only has he been racing with XTERRA for the past six year competing in both off-road triathlon and trail run events, Don is the reigning 55-59 XTERRA Trail Run National Champion after his first place finish at last year’s event. He loves traveling to races and is excited about coming back to Bend to defend his title.
XTERRA Trail Runs are… “a way to challenge yourself against Mother Nature’s beauty.”
CODY HANSON
San Luis Obispo, California
Personal: Born December 8, 1988 . . . business student at Cal Poly.
Cody is making the most out of his first season racing XTERRA events. Thus far in 2009 he has competed in two XTERRA triathlons, XTERRA REAL and XTERRA Del Valle, and the XTERRA Marin Headlands Trail Run, a race in which he won his age group and placed 7th overall. Besides XTERRA events, Cody competed in the White River 50 Mile Trail Run in Seattle. His previous running accomplishments include completing the Quicksilver 50 Mile and the San Luis Mountain Run. Adventure, time to think, and the prospect of getting lost draw Cody to the trails.
XTERRA Trail Runs are . . . “hard and fun.”
STEVE ADKISSON
Fort Mitchell, Kentucky
Personal: Born March 22, 1958 . . . insurance agent and writer.
Steve, a veteran of XTERRA’s off-road triathlon series, is making his XTERRA trail running debut at Bend. Although new to XTERRA’s trail running scene, Steve brings years of running and endurance sport experience to Bend. Thus far in 2009 he has competed in the Cincinnati Trail Race Series, where he won the 50-54 year old age group in the four races he competed in, won his age group at the Daytona Beach 10K, and competed in multiple track races. Running in a wild environment and the challenge of difficult terrain are a few things that draw Steve to trail running. He is excited to see how his fitness and trail skills stack up against the best trail runners in the country. Aside from running, Steve also finds time to write. He authored Juggernauts – The Making of a Runner and a Team in the First American Running Boom, and recently revised and published the second edition.
XTERRA Trail Runs are . . . “if they are like any other trail races, they are fun and exciting.”
JOHN ROSSWOG
Salt Lake City, UT
Personal: Born August 13, 1979 . . . financial services.
John, a 2008 Boston Marathon competitor, is making his XTERRA debut in Bend. In 2009 John has competed in the Salt Lake City Marathon, the Wasatch Back Relay (a 188 mile race from Logan, UT to Park City, UT), and the Deseret News Marathon. He plans on running in the Philadelphia Marathon in November. John was drawn to the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship because it was an opportunity to get away from the traffic and run the technical terrain that trails offer. John is also looking forward to racing in Oregon for the first time and visiting family in Bend.
XTERRA Trail Runs are . . . “challenging and exciting.”
MICAH PAINTER
San Diego, California
Personal: Born August 29, 1984 . . . Marine Corps infantry.
Micah comes to Bend excited about racing for the first time. Prior to this event, Micah has been deployed in Iraq where he trained every day with his sights set on coming home, running, and taking his newly found love of running to the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship. Training and the prospect of competing in the National Championship has been a driving force that has helped Micah get through his deployment in Iraq. Besides this event, Micah also plans on running in the Long Beach Marathon in October and has a long-term goal of competing in the Ironman.
XTERRA Trail Runs are . . . “hopefully a great experience, and I am sure it will be.”
JENNIFER JACOBS
West Lost Angeles, California
Personal: Born July 1965…lawyer
In her first year racing XTERRA, Jennifer competed in four of the SoCal trail runs. She has only been running for about two years, so every almost every race she does is a PR for her as she develops her skills. She can already boast her first place age group finish at the grueling XTERRA Boney Mountain Xduro in January. Her biggest motivations are feeling powerful and fit and everyone’s favorite…getting to eat a big breakfast.
XTERRA Trail Runs are… “challenging, inspiring, and fun!”
FRANK JOYCE
Wilmington, Delaware
Personal: Born March 9, 1977…quality control specialist
Over the years, Frank has played a variety of roles including waiter, housepainter, salesman, bike messenger, and aspiring chef, but through it all, he has always been and always will be a dedicated runner. “I pretty much live to run and travel, thriving on new and interesting places, people, and experiences.” Frank was plagued with injuries for most of the last year, but after reading about the XTERRA Trail Run Nationals race, he started training with his sights set on this event to get him back into the action.
STEVEN KENT
North Bend, Washington
Personal: Born July 31, 1967…science teacher and track coach
Steven has only been running for about four years, but already he has quite a running resume. In 2009 alone, this ex-pole vaulter for the University of Michigan ran the Boston Marathon and placed 6th overall at the North Face Endurance Challenge 50K, which was his first time running such an impressive distance. He is also a member of the Brooks Inspire Daily team. Steven loves the challenge and varying terrain of trail running and is looking forward to the great trails and competition in Bend.
GARY THOMPSON
Chico, California
Personal: Born April 10, 1971…police officer
Gary has a 20-year history of competitive cycling events. In recent years, he took a brief hiatus and is excited about the XTERRA Trail Run Nationals being his return to the world of racing. He loves taking his dogs out on the trails and says staying fit and his wife are his biggest motivations.
XTERRA Trail Runs are… “a new beginning for me.”
MEET SOME OF THE OREGONIANS
MAX KING
Bend, Oregon
REIGNING XTERRA TRAIL RUN SERIES NATIONAL CHAMPION
Personal: Born February 24, 1980…chemical engineer
Max certainly has the right to claim his throne as “King of XTERRA Trail Running.” In 2008, he dominated both the XTERRA Trail Running National and World Championships, and this year he is returning to defend his title. When he’s not crushing the XTERRA competition, Max continues to add accolades to his running resume. Just this last March, he was the third fastest American in the World Cross Country Championships and won the American River 50-miler just a week after that. Needless to say, he will definitely be the guy with the target on his back this year.
KAMI SEMICK
Bend, Oregon
Personal: Born July 6, 1966
After placing 2nd at last year’s XTERRA Trail Run Nationals, Kami is returning to climb that last step on the podium. Currently the frontrunner in the women’s race, she is a 4-time member of the USA 100K World Cup Team and is ranked as one of the top ultra trail runners in the world. In 2009, she won the World Ultra Marathon Championship in Belgium with her 100km time of 7:37:24, which was nearly 10 minutes faster than Irina Vishnevskaya of Russia. She loves racing in her hometown and is the course record holder for numerous 50k and 100k distance races.
DAVE WEBSTER
Bend, Oregon
Personal: Born August 2, 1954 . . . software developer.
Dave is making his XTERRA debut at the National Championship. Earlier this year Dave competed in the Eugene Half Marathon and the Dirty Half in Bend. Under the guidance of Max King, the 2008 XTERRA Trail Run National Championship overall winner, Dave set personal records in both events. He is also planning on competing in the California International Marathon in December. Dave enjoys trail running because of its ability to enhance his awareness of life’s goodness.
XTERRA Trail Runs are . . . “intimidating and exciting. Last year I was too intimidated to sign up! This year I’m excited!”
RYAN THAYER
Bend, Oregon
Personal: Born July17, 1980 . . . shipping and logistics broker.
Ryan comes to the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship with only one year of running experience under his belt. In 2009 he completed the Eugene Half Marathon and is planning on running in the Portland Marathon in October. Bend is one of Ryan’s favorite running venues because it is close to home for him and the scenery is always changing.
XTERRA Trail Runs are . . . “exciting.”
HEATHER POLA
Hood River, Oregon
Personal: Born September 29, 1973 . . . sales.
Heather is a transplant from Maine and is looking forward to competing after a racing hiatus following a hamstring injury in November of 2008. Earlier this year she competed in the 5 Peaks Whistler Blackcomb Race, and a year ago finished 3rd in the Portland Run Like Hell Half Marathon. Some of Heather’s favorite things about trail running include the woods, dirt, the smell, the silence, wind blowing down leaves, and whispering streams and creeks. Heather is excited to run in beautiful Bend along the river and mingle with the stellar running crowd.
KORENZA BURRIS
Dexter, Oregon
Personal: Born June 12, 1975…news anchor and full-time mom
You may recognize Korenza’s name as a former news anchor for Oregon’s KEZI television station. These days she is a full time mom and runner. This will be her first-ever XTERRA event, and she is excited to experience one so close to home. Korenza runs to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to stay in shape and thinks “the feeling of running in the outdoors is amazing.”
SARA WIENER
Bend, Oregon
Personal: Born February 18, 1960…teacher
This will be Sara’s inaugural XTERRA experience, and she is excited about competing at Trail Run Nationals since it will be her first running race in many years. In the past she competed in the 1995 Canada Ironman and has enjoyed trail running and the chance it gives her to be out exploring the woods.
ROBERT GUARD
Maupin, Oregon
Personal: Born February 20, 1945
Originally from Hawaii, Robert migrated to the Northwest to attend the University of Oregon. This will be his first time racing with XTERRA so he is excited to experience “the mystery behind it.” His biggest motivation is “spirit tuning”, and his favorite thing about trail running is the peace and contentment it brings.
GARY TERLECKI
Salem, Oregon
Personal: Born December 28, 1974…wireless field technician
Gary ran in the 10km event at the 2008 XTERRA Trail Run Nationals, and after a year of hard training, he is finally ready to tackle the 21km at this year’s race. His girlfriend Shandi, who ran in the 21km last year, was a huge inspiration and will be running with Gary to help him reach his goal. Gary says this is his favorite trail run due to Bend’s amazing trails, beautiful scenery, and awesome finish at the Old Mill District.
SHANDI MAXWELL
Salem, Oregon
Personal: Born December 17, 1976…quality assurance and compliance analyst
At last year’s XTERRA Trail Run Nationals, Shandi ran the 21km while her boyfriend Gary ran the 10km. This year Gary has been training hard for the 21km, and she’s looking forward to seeing how excited he is about all the running progress he’s made. Shandi is no stranger to the local Oregon running scene with more than 15 events on her 2009 racing calendar. She loves trail running when her mind gets focused on her surroundings giving her a mental workout as well as great physical exercise.
XTERRA Trail Runs are… “fun and challenging.”
DAVID BILYEU
Bend, Oregon
Personal: Born February 11, 1951… college administrator
David raced with XTERRA in Bend last year and loves that the race is returning to his hometown for a second straight year. His racing season has also included the Haulin’ Aspen, the Bizz Johnson Trail Race, and the Painted Hills Festival Run. He enjoys trail running for the solace and joy he gets from a good run on a fine wilderness trail and making new friends while he’s at it.
XTERRA Trail Runs are… “better than ‘doing it in the road’.”
HENRY ALAMAN
Philomath, Oregon
Personal: Born January 13, 1962
Henry has been running for 29 years, but this is his first year racing with XTERRA. Big in the area racing scene, in 2009 he participated in the Heart of the Valley Sprint Tri, the Pacific Crest Olympic Tri, the Cascades Lakes Relay, the XTERRA Portland Off-road Tri, and the Lithia Loop Marathon. His biggest motivations include staying active, fit, and pushing himself out of his comfort zone.
XTERRA Trail Runs are… “epic adventures with a spiritual connection with nature.”
LINDA DEEN KNOX
Philomath, Oregon
Personal: Born September 29, 1963…medical assistant
Even though Linda has had quite an impressive racing season, this will be her first-ever XTERRA event. In 2009, she competed in the Heart of the Valley Duathlon, the Pacific Crest Olympic Duathlon, the Cascades Lakes Relay, the Lithia Loop Marathon, and she even ran to the Colorado River and back on a recent trip to the Grand Canyon. She has been the age group winner or overall champion at numerous events over the years, and says her love for trail running stems from the lack of traffic and need to wear a watch. She runs in order to stay healthy, socialize, and defy her age.
XTERRA Trail Runs are… “ a new experience.”