XTERRA Trail Running National Championship - Bend, Oregon

OFF-ROAD HALF-MARATHON “XDURO”
SEPTEMBER 13, 2009 – OLD MILL DISTRICT: BEND, OR
WHERE THE BEST MEET THE BEST … IN BEND

After all the adventure of last year's XTERRA Trail Running National Championship, XTERRA is excited to return to beautiful Bend, Oregon on September 13. Since last September, thousands of runners have competed in the 2009 XTERRA Trail Run Series for their chance to be crowned champions of their region and receive free entry to this year's XTERRA Nationals.

Having been called "America's Best Trail Running Town" by the editors of Outside Magazine, Bend is certainly worthy of hosting this talented group of runners.

The main event, the half-marathon distance Xduro, starts in the historic Old Mill District and is accompanied by shorter 5 and 10km fun runs. Although qualification is not necessary for any of these 2009 events, runners who completed one of the Xduro events around the country in less than 3 hours will receive special recognition on race day.

XTERRA has added new series and races to the 2009 season so check out our schedule for an event near you.

THE COURSE

Under a special use permit from the Deschutes National Forest, the national championship runs from downtown to pristine forest trails in a matter of miles then weaves along the scenic Deschutes River trail that serves up some of Bend's finest scenery. Runners can expect a fast and fun course with lots of switchbacks on sandy, rocky, and dirt-strewn single and double track trails. There is a little more than 1,000 feet of elevation gain, and the first ½ -mile or so is on a paved urban trail on the east side of the river before crossing over the footbridge adjacent to Farewell Bend Park and onto west side dirt trails. From there the course follows the river trail upstream to a right turn that climbs past Mt. Bachelor Village and onto Haul Road. Once runners reach Entrada Lodge via Haul Road they'll travel in a counter-clockwise direction on the "jogging trail" and make their way towards Widgi Creek Golf course on single and double track trails along the rim of the Deschutes River Canyon. Where the Forest Service road meets the golf course racers head down to Meadow Camp, connect to the river trail and run back alongside the Deschutes. After a few final tests of skill and endurance, competitors return down the same track they embarked on and into an XTERRA-style celebration at the finish line located smack dab in Center Plaza of the Old Mill District (between Anthony’s and the Gap).

THE ATHLETES

The 2008 XTERRA Trail Running National Championship attracted an eclectic group of runners representing 20 states. All united by their love for running and the outdoors, these athletes came from every walk of life and skill level. All are welcome!

PRIZE MONEY AND AWARDS

The fastest runners will be racing for $5,000 in prize money – awarded to the top five men and women as follows: $1,000, $600, $400, $300, $200.  XTERRA will also be crowning national champs in age groups starting at 9 & under, then every five years (ex. 10-14, 15-19, etc…) up to 80+.  Champs win a commemorative long-sleeve winners T and all racers get a short sleeve shirt and goody bag.

Place	Men	Women
1	$1,000	$1,000
2	$600	$600
3	$400	$400
4	$300	$300
5	$200	$200

AID STATIONS

There will be several aid stations on the 21km course each featuring nutrition and hydration from our loyal sponsors GU Energy Gel and Gatorade.

5KM / 10KM AND KIDS SPRINT

Although not considered national championship races, XTERRA will also host a pair of fun and beautiful 5km and 10km trail runs (and the 5km is stroller friendly).   There’s also a free kids sprint and “XTERRA Kids Zone” filled with obstacle courses, a climbing net, balance beam and more.

5/10km ONLINE REGISTRATION

XTERRA K9 CHALLENGE, PRESENTED BY JOHN PAUL PET

The XTERRA K9 Challenge, presented by John Paul Pet is a fun event for owners and their dogs to compete around an obstacle course for quickest time, meet their friends, make new ones and enjoy an afternoon outdoors. The challenge is a timed event where everyone wins. The course takes about 30 seconds if it is run quickly. The course starts with a short run, followed by a 90 degree turn and depending on the size of the dog - either a 10' tunnel for our smaller friends or a 3 step walkover for the bigger animals. The rest of the course features a slalom that must be negotiated, a "walk the plank" board that is a few inches off the ground, 4 log jumpovers and the dreaded teeter-totter. The one rule is the dog must be accompanied by its handler and on a leash.

No training or certification is necessary, but owners must show proof of dog's current vaccinations. Bring your family and your pet and give it a go. And don't forget the pooper scoopers...

REGISTER ONLINE

FLEET FEET TRAIL RUNNING 101

Fleet Feet Sports in Bend is hosting Trail Running 101 to prepare area runners for the XTERRA Trail Run Nationals (Sept. 13 in Bend). The program kicks off Thursday, July 9th at Fleet Feet (1320 NW Galveston) at 6pm. The regular schedule starts July 19th and runs until September 6th, meeting Sunday mornings at 8am at a new trail each week. Running coaches and visiting experts will help participants achieve goals and teach technique and trail safety. The cost is $69 for either the 10km or 21km program ($10 discount if you sign up before July 9th). Trail Running 101 does not include the race entry fee or the national forest pass that is needed for parking at trailheads, but every participant will receive a free technical running tee ($30 value) and water bottle. For more information or registration, runners should visit www.fleetfeetbend.com/trail101.

THE OLD MILL DISTRICT

Just being down at Center Plaza at the Old Mill, right on the river with all the best shops on a Saturday morning is reason enough to come check this race out.  The general public is invited to participate and enjoy all the activities and there is no charge for admission into the festival area.  Expect great food and drinks, good tunes all day, live music in the afternoon, and fun people all around.

www.theoldmill.com

DIRECTIONS

Heading North:
From the Parkway (Highway 97), take Colorado Avenue (Exit 138) and follow signs.

Going South:
From the Parkway (Highway 97), take Reed Market Road (Exit 139), and follow signs.

PAUL MITCHELL CUT-A-THON

The best Paul Mitchell stylists in Oregon will be onsite giving professional hair cuts in exchange for a $15 (or more) donation to the Challenged Athletes Foundation.  100% of the proceeds benefit CAF.

OFFICIAL HOTEL PARTNER

The Riverhouse Resort, Hotel and Convention Center on the river in the heart of Bend is the official hotel partner of the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship. The Riverhouse Resort offers some of the finest lodging amenities in Central Oregon with beautifully appointed and spacious hotel guest rooms, an award winning steakhouse - Crossings Restaurant, and an 18-hole Championship Golf Course. Call 1-866-558-3932 and ask for the XTERRA Runner’s Rate—$95-single, $99-double for Non River Facing rooms. Upgraded River Facing rooms are also available.

ATHLETE PHOTOS

We are happy to announce that Brightroom will be the official event photographer for athlete photos. Photos will be ready three to five days after the event. You can visit Brightroom now and sign up for email notification. They will alert you when the photos are ready for online viewing and ordering: XTERRA Bend Trail Runs.

VOLUNTEERS

Join us for an exciting morning of XTERRA racing at the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship in Bend, OR on Sunday, September 13, 2009. Amateur and professional runners will be competing for cash and the XTERRA National Trail Running Championship title. We are looking for people who have a few hours to spare to help with the event. We need volunteers for the following times and events. Volunteer Check-In will be at the XTERRA Expo at Old Mill District.  All volunteers will receive an XTERRA crew support t-shirt, drinks, and lunch.

8AM VOLUNTEER CHECK-IN FOR TRAIL RUN EVENTS:

XTERRA Trail Running National Championship (21km trail run) -   9AM start
XTERRA 5km/10km trail run -  9:05AM  start

Run volunteer positions:                Timing (record numbers/ pull tabs at the finish)
                                                            Course Marshal (direct runners)
                                                            Aid Station (Hand-out water/ Gatorade to runners)
                                                            Finish Line/ Athlete Recovery (cut-up & stock food at the finish line)

*     Run volunteers will be needed for up 4 hours

                                   
8:30AM VOLUNTEER CHECK-IN FOR XTERRA Kids Zone (9AM-2PM)

Kids Zone volunteer positions:      Registration (sign-in kids )
                                                            Course marshal (assist with obstacle course and kid’s races)

    *       Kids Zone volunteers will be needed until 2pm
             

What experience or qualifications are required to be an XTERRA volunteer?

• No experience necessary
• You must be at least 15 years old, or 12, if accompanied by an adult
• You must have a willingness and desire to help others
• You must have a few hours to spare

Please email or call the XTERRA Volunteer Coordinator, Emily McIlvaine at 877-XTERRA-1 or emily@xterraplanet.com.  Or just show up at the times posted above and we will find you an exciting spot. Hope to see you there!

ABOUT BEND

About the Bend Visitor & Convention Bureau:
The Bend Visitor & Convention Bureau is a non-membership, non-profit economic development organization dedicated to promoting tourism on behalf of the City of Bend.  For more information or to order a complimentary Official Visitor's Guide to Bend, contact the Bend Visitor & Convention Bureau at 1-800-949-6086 or visit www.visitbend.com.

About the Oregon Sports Authority:
The Oregon Sports Authority has served as the state's sports economic development arm for more than a decade, injecting millions of dollars into Oregon's economy each year through sports tourism.  Financially supported by more than 150 annual members, the non-profit organization works relentlessly to enhance the state economically and culturally through sports. The Central Oregon chapter's purpose is to positively impact the region's economy and quality of life by attracting sports events and supporting area youth sports programs. For more information visit www.oregonsports.org.

Get ready for the 2009 XTERRA Trail Running National Championship with these two great training events.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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