Oak Mountain State Park, Pelham, Alabama

*Schedule tentative and subject to change

Thursday, May 06

Friday, May 07

Saturday, May 08

Sunday, May 09

Course Maps

Championship (Full) Distance:

1.5km swim / 33km mountain bike / 10km trail run

Sprint Distance:

750m swim / 16km mountain bike / 4.5km trail run

Xticer Distance:

 200m swim / 8K mountain bike / 2K trail run

*Ride the trails any time during park hours.

Course Descriptions

The course at Oak Mountain State Park in Shelby County, located in the southernmost part of the Appalachian Chain, is praised by competitors as being one of the most fun, fast, scenic and difficult on the XTERRA schedule.

The largest park in the Yellowhammer State, Oak Mountain has 52 miles of trails spread among 9,900 lushly forested acres and includes rolling hills, stream crossings and the technical, pine-studded ridges of Double Oak Mountain.

The race starts in Double Oak Lake, a long narrow warm water lake.  Sprint racers swim a 750-meter loop while championship competitors do a one-loop 1500-meter swim.

To best protect age group athletes, a time trial start will be employed.

Wear your mask to the swim start.  Remove it before starting the swim, and tuck it in your suit or place it in the trash can provided.  You do not need to wear a face covering while you race.

Your individual start time will be recorded when you cross the timing mat and enter the water.

A single, socially distanced, line will determine start order.

You will be signaled to start by race officials.

Before you come to the race on Saturday morning, we ask that you decide which of three groups of swimmers you belong in:
Group 1 - fast swimmers (200m = 3-4 minutes / 750m = 12-17min / 1500m = 20-27min)
Group 2 - mid pack swimmers (200m = 4-6 minutes / 750m = 17-19min / 1500m = 27-32min)
Group 3 - slower swimmers (200m = 6-9 minutes / 750m = 19-30min / 1500m = 32-50min)

Group 1 should be at the start line 10 mins prior to start.  
Group 2 and Group 3 will social distance away from the start queue pen.

The race announcer will call Group 2 and then Group 3 to form a line in the start queue.

The starts are continuous between groups in the same race.

If you miss your start, there is no problem.  Come to the start line and meet race officials.  They will direct you to cross the mat and start your race. As long as officials and lifeguards are available, you will be allowed to start the race.

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From there the long, single-loop 21-mile mountain bike course starts at about 500 feet elevation, twists, turns, and rolls through the forest for seven miles then begins a gradual 700-foot climb to the summit.

The descent is a fast, wild ride highlighted by the notorious “blood rock” section – a series of tricky to maneuver, uneven and jagged rocks. After descending through Blood Rock section, take a right turn onto Centipede Trail for 0.8 mile making the connection to the very fun and flowing Jekyll ‘n Hyde trail, eventually turning up Terrace Park Rd. to Johnson's Mountain trail which connects to Mr. Toads Trail, then back to Terrace Park road to transition.

The full course bike is 21 miles in length with 1650ft of overall elevation gain.

The sprint bike course starts with a climb up Peavine Road to Centipede and then connects to the full course.

The 10K championship run course (5k for Sprint) goes around Double Oak Lake on hard-packed, tight, and twisty trails with scenic views at every turn before  connecting with the rocky Rattlesnake Ridge trail and the flowy Family Trail and finishing up with a short pavement sprint back to the finish.

Runner’s World Magazine called the trails one of America’s “Crown Jewels – 25 best trails in the nation,” and the International Mountain Bicycling Association granted them the prestigious EPIC Rides Hall of Fame designation – given only to those rare trails “guaranteed to blow your mind.”

Credit belongs to the Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers (BUMP) and Shelby County for the continued development of world class trails.  BUMP has spent more than 100,000 hours in design and construction of new trails over the past 20+ years.

Xticer Course Description

We start with a 200 meter swim in Double Oak Lake before getting on the bike for a 8k ride. You’ll head up Peavine Falls Road for about a mile and connect onto Double Oak trail and Rattlesnake Ridge Trail back to the main compound.  It’s about 1 mile of road and 5 miles of sweet trail.  Put on your running shoes for a short 2k (a little over a mile) – mostly road up towards Peavine Falls and then a final section of trail to the finish line.

Notes about XTERRA Oak Mountain 

– Easy to get to from anywhere. Atlanta, one of the biggest airports on earth is just 2.5 hours away. The Birmingham airport with direct connections is only 30 minutes away.

– Shelby County is home to the venue site, Oak Mountain State Park, the State’s largest park with more than 10,000 acres. There is so much more to see in Shelby County. The County boasts 50 public parks, eight museums, three wineries and 10 golf courses. Learn more at www.discovershelby.com.

– There are dozens of good hotels within 15 minutes of the start line.

– There are dozens of restaurants in the area from simple to gourmet. One of the crew favorites is the Margarita Grill on Cahaba Valley Road.

– Birmingham is a historic city with roots back to the US Civil War and was the center of the US civil rights movement of the 1960’s.  Museums and historic places abound.

– This area of the United States is known for its Southern Hospitality and friendly people.

– For motor enthusiasts, the Barber Motorsports park and museum is one of the foremost motorcycle and car museums anywhere.

– The weather will be fantastic!! Temps between 80 to 85F.

– Over 40 miles of trails from single track to jeep road, rolling hills, fast descents, technical yet fast.

– Lake temperature normally 75F/24C.

– XTERRA will also host 5K and 10.3K fun runs as well as competitive 20.6K and 42K trail runs on Sunday for all to enjoy.

USAT Swimming Conduct 

Swimming Conduct

4.1 Permissible Strokes. Swimmers may use any stroke to propel themselves through the water and may tread water or float.

4.2 Bottom Contact and Resting. A participant may stand on the bottom or rest by holding an inanimate object such as a buoy, boat, rope or floating object. Excluding the bottom, a participant shall not use any inanimate object to gain forward progress. A violation of this section shall result in a variable time penalty, unless the Head Referee in his/her sole discretion determines that (i) the violation was substantial and resulted in an unfair time advantage, or (ii) the violation constituted endangerment under Section 3.4(1).

4.3 Emergencies. A swimmer experiencing difficulty and in need of assistance shall raise an arm overhead, and pump it up and down, and call or seek assistance. A swimmer, who has received official assistance, whether voluntary or involuntary, must retire and withdraw from the remainder of the race unless such assistance did not aid the swimmer in making forward progress. No swimmer shall return to the race if the official rendering assistance requests that the participant withdraw from the race or receive medical assistance.

4.4 Wet suits. Each age group participant shall be permitted to wear a wet suit without penalty in any event sanctioned by USA Triathlon up to and including a water temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit. When the water temperature is greater than 78 degrees, but less than 84 degrees Fahrenheit, age group participants may wear a wet suit at their own discretion, provided however that participants who wear a wet suit within this temperature range shall not be eligible for prizes or awards. Age group participants shall not wear wet suits in water temperatures equal to or greater than 84 degrees Fahrenheit. The wetsuit policy for elite athletes shall be determined by the USAT Athletes Advisory Council. The AAC has set the wetsuit maximum temperature for elite athletes at 68 degrees for swim distances less than 3000 meters and 71.6 degrees for distances of 3000 meters or greater. Any swimmer wearing a wetsuit with a thickness measured in any part greater than 5 millimeters shall be disqualified.

4.5 Notice of Wet Suit Policy. The wet suit policy for any particular race shall be included on all race literature that is intended for distribution to potential participants. The wet suit policy shall conform to Section 4.4, unless a change is granted in compliance with Section 1.4. The wet suit policy on such literature shall include the following information, if applicable; a. Any changes from Section 4.4; b. Any specific restrictions on equipment; c. Any disparity between the wet suit policy for age group athletes and the policy for elite athletes.

4.6 Measuring Water Temperature. It is recommended, but not required that the water temperature for a race be finally determined by a measurement made within 2 hours of the race start. A water temperature measurement should also be taken prior to any pre-race meetings in order to forecast to the athletes as early as possible the likely water temperature on race day and the likelihood of whether wet suits will be allowed on race day.

4.7 Official Equipment. If provided by race management, a swimmer shall wear the proper official swim cap corresponding to his wave. The penalty for an infraction of this rule is a variable time penalty. For safety reasons if no official cap is provided, all swimmers should wear their own brightly colored swim cap.

4.8 Goggles. Swimmers may wear, but shall not be required to wear, swim goggles or face masks.

4.9 Illegal Equipment. Any swimmer wearing any artificial propulsion device, including but not limited to fins, gloves, paddles, or floating devices of any kind shall be disqualified.

Download full USAT competition rules

Your health and safety is our top priority. As such, XTERRA Oak Mountain received COVID-19 Safety Certification from USA Triathlon, demonstrating our commitment to implementing the best practices outlined in the Safe Return to Multisport initiative and abiding by USA Triathlon’s Return to Racing Recommendations. 

It is the athlete’s responsibility to stay safe leading up to the event and to follow the guidelines in place at the event. Please review the reference documents at the bottom of this section for helpful guidelines and safety tips.

Here is a list of safety measures in place at our event:

• We will adhere to all current covid-related rules and restrictions set by local authorities, including but not limited to Oak Mountain State Park, the State of Alabama, and Shelby County.
• Athletes, staff, volunteers, and family members must stay home if they are feeling ill.

MASKS

• At this time, although masks are not mandated in Shelby County, individuals are strongly encouraged to wear a mask when in public and in close contact with other people. At the event, we are asking all participants and family members to PLEASE WEAR A MASK.
• We are REQUIRING all event staff, volunteers, and vendors to wear a mask.
• You need to wear a mask race morning until just before you start your swim, and then after you finish.
• You do not need to wear a mask while you race.

Note: For those traveling into or through Birmingham, AL, a mask mandate is in effect. For a full list of safe travel tips, click here.

SANITIZATION PROTOCOLS

• Signage on-site encouraging regular hand washing and sanitizing
• Hand washing and sanitizing stations readily available and ample trash receptacles placed around event venue
• Regularly cleaning of high touch point areas
• Discouraging use of other people’s equipment, phones, tools, etc.

PHYSICAL DISTANCING

• Promoting physical distancing and mitigate person-to-person contact
• Ample signage placed in key areas of venue encouraging physical distancing
• Race announcements to remind everyone about physical distancing and mask wearing

SCREENING

• Temperature screening for COVID-19 symptoms including fevers of 100.4 degrees F and greater prior to athlete registration/check-in and upon bike check-in to transition area prior to racing.
• Based on the CDC definition of a fever and the symptoms of COVID-19, if the athlete has a temperature of 100.4 degrees the athlete will be directed to event’s medical lead for final determination on the athlete’s ability to participate in the event.
• All event staff and volunteers will be screened daily.

REGISTRATION AND PACKET PICK-UP

• Registration and packet pick-up procedures will promote physical distancing and mitigate person-to-person contact.
• Bag drop will not be offered

COURSE OPERATIONS

• Self-application tattoos for body marking
• Time trial starts for all age group triathletes, who will be asked to self-seed themselves from fastest to slowest swimmer order to mitigate passing
• More bike racks with less people per rack
• The swim, bike, and run courses have been reconfigured to be one-lap to mitigate passing
• Socially distanced start lines for the trail run
• Socially distanced gathering for Thursday’s Bike Night (Only this event is sanction/insured by USA Cycling.)

AID STATIONS

• We recommend carrying your own fluids during the race, including hydration belt, hydration backpack, collapsible cups, or hand-held water bottle.
• Place trash in the provided receptacle to reduce disease transmission to other athletes and volunteers.

• There is a self-serve aid station for the full distance bike course at Mile 10.5. Fill-up your own bottle.

• There are no bike aid stations on the Sprint or Xticer courses.

• There are four aid stations on full distance run course– at transition, mile 1.5, mile 2.2, and mile 4.5.

• There are three aid stations on sprint distance run course– at transition, mile 1.5, mile 2.2.

• Note: Run aid stations are self-serve. Water and Gatorade in cups on a table.  There are no cup hand-offs.

   

FINISH LINE

• Remove your own timing chip and return it to our chip bucket at the finish line
• Self pick-up of finishers medal from the table in the finish area
• Recovery is self-serve.
• Do not congregate in recovery. Take your drink(s) and pre-packaged food items and move through this area. Remain socially distanced from other athletes and volunteers.
• Place trash in the provided receptacle to reduce disease transmission to other athletes and volunteers.

RACE CLINICS AND BRIEFING

• XTERRA University clinic live on Facebook (social-distanced on-site)
• Race briefing posted to our Facebook page and website

AWARDING

• Elite awards for top 5 men and women in the Full Course triathlon
• Age group awards for top 3 overall men and women in all triathlon and trail run races, except Xticer.
• All in person awards will be socially distanced. Wear a mask and you may take it off for photos.
• All other awards (top 3 men and women in each division) will be available for self pick-up at designated collection table once all potential podium finishers in each age group are accounted for (due to time trial start).

REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

Please review the following documents:

COVID TRAVEL RECOMMENDATIONS
RETURN TO RACING ATHLETE CHECKLIST
RETURN TO RACING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ATHLETES

• Pros race for a $15,000 USD pro purse paid equally to the top 7 men and women as follows:

Place - Purse
1st - $2,300
2nd - $1,700
3rd - $1,200
4th - $800
5th - $650
6th - $450
7th - $400

2021 Elite Prize Money Policy:

All elites earning prize money will receive onsite a W-9 (US resident) or W-8BEN form and a bank wire information form.  Return your completed forms to Janet Clark onsite or by email to samantha.paulson [at] xterraplanet.com.

Prize money will be paid by bank wire within two-to-four weeks.

Foreign elites will be subject to 30% withholding and may file a refund through the IRS 2021 form 1040NR by April 15, 2022.

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• Age groupers battle for 51 slots to the World Championship (see chart below)

Top finishers at Oak Mountain Championship race are awarded slots to the XTERRA World Championship in Kapalua, Maui based on the following age group allocations.

Cahaba Cyles

271 Pelham Parkway
Pelham, AL 35124

cahabacycles.com

Get Directions

Phone: (205) 987-4043

Store Hours: M-F 10-6, Sat 9-6, Sun 1-5

Located right outside of the park and will be on-site at the XTERRA Expo Saturday morning.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Explore a wide range of accommodation options in Shelby County, click HERE. 

Special Hotel Deals

Holiday Inn Express - offers XTERRA athletes a special $90/night* rate.

260 Cahaba Valley Road

Pelham, AL 35124

205-987-8888

Book your room now! 

Comfort Suites, Pelham - offers XTERRA athletes special rates of $89 King or $94/night Double (2 Queens) plus tax from May 2-10.
Call 205-982-1999 and ask for the XTERRA Group Rate.
2235 Pelham Parkway
Pelham, AL 35124

Rental Car

Hertz - our Preferred Car Rental Agency, offers 5% off all rentals to XTERRA participants, friends and family.
Use code 2213376 when you book your car. Good for travel to XTERRA events and personal travel.
Book Your Rental Car noW!

You can also enroll in “Hertz Gold Plus Rewards” at no additional cost to bypass the counter and go straight to your car. 
To enroll in the program, click here to go to the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment page. Once you complete the enrollment process, you will be issued a #1 Club Gold Number instantly, which will be sent to your email. Existing Gold members, please log in to your profile if you have not already, and change your Corporate Discount Program to 2213376.

Travel by Air

Closest airport is Birmingham (BMH) or fly into Atlanta (ATL) and drive 2 hours to Pelham.

Driving Directions to Oak Mountain State Park

Oak Mountain State Park is located 15 miles south of Birmingham off Exit 246 on Interstate 65. Coming from the North: On I-65, take Cahaba Valley Road (AL-119) exit (246). Turn right to go South on AL-119 and immediately turn left onto State Park Road. Go approximately 1.5 miles and turn left at the 4-way stop sign into the park. Once you get through the ranger station parking booth go straight and turn right on Terrace Drive.  Continue on Terrace Drive until you see Double Oak Lake, then look for XTERRA parking signs.

Coming from the South: On I-65, take Cahaba Valley Road (AL-119) exit (246). Turn left to go South on AL-119 and immediately turn left on to State Park Road. Go approximately 1.5 miles and turn left at the 4-way stop sign into the park. Once you get through the ranger station parking booth go straight and turn right on Terrace Drive.  Continue on Terrace Drive until you see Double Oak Lake, then look for XTERRA parking signs.

NOTE:  The closest address you can enter into a mapping program is 200 Terrace Drive – Pelham, AL 35124.  This is the address for the Wildlife Center above the event compound, but will get you close and you’ll be able to see the XTERRA signs once on Terrace Drive.

Race Headquarters

On Terrace Drive, just past the Park Headquarters.  Look for big white tents and XTERRA signage.

Day Use Fees at Oak Mountain State Park

$5 per Adult (age 12+)
$2 per Child (age 4-11)
$2 per Senior (age 62+)
Free for ages 3 & under

The gates take CASH ONLY. Please bring exact change to speed-along entry, and keep in mind that proceeds are providing financial support for Oak Mountain State Park.  Thank you.
 

There is so much to discover right around Oak Mountain State Park! Be sure to check out the new Oak Mountain Brewing Company and The Beer Hog to sample some amazing local craft brews. Don’t miss out on The Margarita Grill…an XTERRA crew favorite!
 
Want to ride or run some wicked, but fairly untapped trails? Cahaba River Park is for you! Timing should be perfect at the beginning of May to sneak a glimpse of the iconic Cahaba lilies in bloom. These aquatic flowering plants only grown in Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina…and only bloom for one month out of the year…MAY!
 
Visit DiscoverShelby.com to find other events, Places to Go, Things to Do, and more while you are in town. Enjoy!

CAMPING

RV spots and campsites at the State Park.
If you wish to reserve a site online https://guestrez.megasyshms.com/KWJ6F/oak-mountain-state-park-campground-and-cabins.

To make a reservation by phone call  (205) 620-2520 or (800) 252-7275.

SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER HERE! 

*Please note, COVID safety precautions will be taken very seriously for each volunteer. Contact Emily at volunteer [at] xterraplanet.com for further information. 

Join us and be part of “the greatest race on dirt” - a fantastic international event weekend with some of the best athletes from all over the world swimming, riding, and running right here in Pelham, Alabama. We are looking for groups or individuals who have a few hours to spare to help with the event. 

Various duties include helping register athletes before the race, body-marking, prepping food/drinks in the recovery tent, handing out water/Gatorade on the course, being a course marshal, helping out the timers, and more.

Volunteers will get a great-looking event t-shirt, lunch, all the Gatorade they can drink, free entry into any of the XTERRA Trail Runs on Sunday, and the undying gratitude of the XTERRA family!  The XTERRA crew will deploy volunteers to cover road crossings, help with the transition (this is where the athletes go from swim-to-bike and later from bike-to-run), and hand out water and drinks at aid stations, at the finish line, and with timing. 

If you cannot stay for a full shift, we can work around your schedule, just let us know in advance.

Have additional questions? Email or call the XTERRA Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer [at] xterraplanet.com or 877-751-8880 x 3.  Hope to see you there!

VOLUNTEER SATURDAY AND RUN FOR FREE ON SUNDAY! 

We’re pleased to present you with a FREE finish line photo to commemorate your accomplishment. Simply enter your Bib# into the ‘search by keyword’ box via the link below to find your images.  

Triathlon Photo Gallery

Trail Run Photo Gallery

Note: Click on the download icon above your picture and click “original” to download your finish line photo for free. More photos will be loaded to the site in the days to come, and our photo partner Enduro Photo will email you directly with additional images available for purchase shortly.

For XTERRA Oak Mountain information, email info [at] xterraplanet.com or call 877-751-8880.