National Championship - Bend, Oregon
National Championship Information
Date: September 27, 2008
Location: Bend, Oregon
Distance: 21k
Registration: Online Registration
Fees: $35 USD
Media Contacts:
Doug LaPlaca, Bend VCB, 541-382-8048
Trey Garman, TEAM Unlimited, 808-792-2603
Arran Gimba, Oregon Sports Authority, 503-234-3213
America's Best Trail Running Town - Bend, Oregon - Named Host City for 2008 & 2009 XTERRA Trail Running National Championships
Bend, Oregon, which was recently voted "America's Best Trail Running Town" by the editors of Outside Magazine, has been named the host destination for the 2008 and 2009 XTERRA Trail Running National Championships.
The 2008 event is set for September 27, 2008.
The XTERRA Trail Running National Championship's main event is an Xduro (21k/13.1 mile) off-road half-marathon, but the day-long running celebration will also feature races of 10k and 5k distances, a kids K, charity walk, festival/expo center for participants and spectators, and live entertainment. While the race field will include competitors who have qualified for Nationals at other events, participation in all races - including the XTERRA Trail Running National Championship, is open to the general public.
"The U.S. Trail Run Series is the fastest-growing segment of XTERRA, with more than 50 races in 15 states on the calendar for 2008," said Tom Kiely, CEO of TEAM Unlimited, owner of XTERRA. "The Trail Running National Championship is the culmination of that series, and we think Bend is the ultimate adventure destination for our biggest race of the year."
The Bend Visitor & Convention Bureau, in partnership with the Oregon Sports Authority, were the natural choice to host Nationals due to its variety of terrain, mild fall climate, running-friendly trails, and the enthusiasm, interest and support of the local community.
"Bend has received national and international recognition as a trail running mecca," said Doug LaPlaca, President and CEO of the Bend Visitor & Convention Bureau. "The next logical step for us is to identify and pursue opportunities to convert that recognition into increased tourism revenue, and the XTERRA Trail Running National Championship is a perfect fit."
In the coming months, race organizers and the Bend VCB will work with local public and private groups including the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bend Metro Parks & Recreation, and private landowners and developers to identify a race venue and begin any necessary permit/approval processes.
"When we launched our Central Oregon Chapter in October, this was exactly the type of event we had in mind for the region," said Drew Mahalic, CEO of the Oregon Sports Authority. "Bend's reputation as an outdoor recreation destination will be a huge asset as we plan this event, and look to secure other, similar events of national prominence in the future."
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.
About the XTERRA Trail Run Series:
The XTERRA Trail Run Series is an off-shoot of the XTERRA multisport series - renowned for being the most illustrious off-road (swim, mountain bike, run) competition in the world. What started with a handful of independent trail runs is now the XTERRA Trail Running Series - a bona fide set of races that include 10 different U.S. Regions and 50 races, culminating with the XTERRA Trail Running National Championship on September 27, 2008, in Bend, Ore. Each event sets out to champion human potential and make the world a better place - one step at a time.