May 10, 2022
Colorado’s high country during the summertime is something to behold with its big blue skies, white aspens, majestic mountain ranges and cool, fresh air. It’s hard to imagine a better place to be in mid-July than the Rockies, but if you need convincing, we’ve got you covered…
TOP 10 Reasons to Race at the XTERRA USA Championship
1. The Challenge
It's affectionately know as The Beast at Beaver Creek! “Of the plethora of endurance events on the state's summer sports calendar, perhaps none screams "Colorado" as much as XTERRA,” wrote Lindsay Jones of the Denver Post. “You know, just a quick dip in a mountain lake, a mountain bike ride up a ski hill — with 3,600 feet of climbing — and nearly six miles of running on dirt trails through aspen and pine trees.”
2. The Party!
New this year, the awards ceremony and after party will be held in the early evening under the stars at Nottingham Park in Avon complete with race day highlight videos on the big screen and a FREE concert with Colorado's own, Trout Steak Revival, and The Proper Way (pictured) from Ogden, Utah. Your entry comes with a ticket to dine from a variety of tasty options and craft beer or beverage of your choice.
3. The Cause
Our community outreach partner is The Cycle Effect, which was founded by XTERRA Family members Brett and Tamara Donelson. They empower under-privileged young women through mountain biking by focusing on physical wellness, community impact, and mentorship. By providing an opportunity for girls to be engaged in regular, healthy programs that help build their self-esteem and promotes overall wellness, girls are more likely to be healthier, stay engaged in school and set goals that will support their future. It’s real, it works, and we can help their team with donations of cash and gear (even a bike if you’ve got one to give!).
4. The Legend
The undisputed greatest American XTERRA racer ever, Josiah Middaugh, calls this place home. Josiah has won an unprecedented 15 XTERRA U.S. National Championships, but this will be his first chance to win one in his backyard. And on Friday before the race, he’ll give free tips on how to tackle the course, what to eat, what to wear, and anything else you’d need to know for the weekend at the XTERRA University clinic.
5. The Lake
Nottingham Lake has a 50 Meter Lap Swimming Area open from 10a-8p daily. You can rent pedal boats, stand up paddle boards, and kayaks. There’s a beach area. You can fish from the banks, and can even borrow pickleball racquets, tennis racquets, volleyballs and basketballs from the Recreation Center's Front Desk. https://www.avon.org/431/Nottingham-Lake-and-Beach
6. The Resort
Beaver Creek Resort is really, really nice. Its European-inspired walkways are filled with impeccable restaurants, bars, art galleries, boutique stores, even an ice-skating rink that’s open all year-round. Activities include scenic lift rides, hiking and bike haul on Centennial Express, gemstone panning, mini golf, bungee trampoline and more in the base area.
7. The Mission
ZERO-WASTE! Our sustainability partners from the Walking Mountains Science Center in Eagle Valley will be on-site to ensure the XTERRA USA Championship is a sustainability success. A dedicated zero-waste coordinator will maintain on-site waste streams, ensuring that as much as possible is diverted and compost and recycling streams are free of contamination.
8. The Bull
Join the XTERRA Crew for some big fun taking on this BULL at the after party!
9. The Games
Yahtzee! A giant Yahtzee game will be set-up on the lawn at the after-party on Saturday night, along with corn hole, horseshoes, giant checkers, Beer Pong, an Oxygen Bar, Bounce House, and a chair massager (Which you'll probably need after taking on that bull!)
10. The Family
Experience the most family-friendly endurance event of the summer, because there really is something for everyone. After you pick-up your packet at Nottingham Lake, stick around for a kid-friendly movie night, jump into the SUP races, stretch it out with some free yoga sessions, sign the kids up for a fun run, or just enjoy the great outdoors with the famously friendly XTERRA crowd.
