World’s Leading Off-Road Triathlon & Trail Running Races Return to Utah for the 15th Year
OGDEN, UTAH – It’s long been said that XTERRA is more than just a race, it’s a lifestyle. Perhaps nowhere is that more evident than in Ogden, Utah where the Mayor, Mike Caldwell, was the founder and race director for the first XTERRA event in Ogden back in 2004.
Mayor Caldwell and a collection of the most welcoming locals to be found anywhere rallied the entire community to bring off-road triathlon to their hometown 15 years ago and are themselves everyday XTERRA people. They swim, bike, and run in the mountains, have fun, eat well, laugh, and unpretentiously perpetuate the sports’ motto to "Live More."
"XTERRA is a unique event for our community that has grown and progressed into a world class event," said Caldwell. "It is a huge part of our community’s DNA. These athletes and race organizers have become part of our family providing an opportunity for us to form lasting friendships with people from all over the world. Not only do I enjoy the homecoming feel the event brings, it also has great economic impact for Ogden. Our hotels sell out and our restaurants fill up. It is the perfect fit for Ogden, and I look forward to this weekend every year."
Athletes also look forward to this event every year, and more than 800 of the very best amateur and professional triathletes and trail runners are traveling to the State of Sport to battle for the title of XTERRA Champion.
"XTERRA is one of the events that truly highlights Utah’s beauty and will showcase one of Utah’s Olympic and world class venues at Snowbasin Resort," said Jeff Robbins, president & CEO of the Utah Sports Commission. "The event will bring an estimated $13 million in combined media value and economic impact to the State of Sport."
The main event, the XTERRA Pan America / USA Championship triathlon is the culmination of a series of off-road triathlons spanning South and Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean, Canada, and the U.S.
It starts with a one-mile swim in Pineview Reservoir (4,900-feet elevation), follows with an 18-mile mountain bike leg that climbs more than 3,000-feet to the top of Sardine Peak (7,300-feet elevation), and culminates with a 7-mile trail run featuring another 600-feet of climbing on trails around Snowbasin Resort in the Wasatch Range. There is also a half-distance sprint off-road triathlon and relay-team options.
The fastest racers in each five-year age group will be honored as the XTERRA Pan American Champion, and the fastest American in each of those divisions will be celebrated as XTERRA’s U.S. National Champion. Elites will be competing for $80,000 in prize money, and cameramen will position themselves around Wheeler Canyon and the Wasatch Range to capture all the action for a nationally syndicated one-hour TV show that exposes the beauty of northern Utah to the masses.
"We love bringing the XTERRA Tribe together in Utah, the energy level is just incredible," said Janet Clark, president of XTERRA. "Ogden and Snowbasin are simply the best – between the facilities at Snowbasin, the great restaurants and atmosphere along Historic 25th Street in Ogden, and the unbelievably supportive community – we can’t ask for a better venue."
The triathlons are Saturday, September 15 and on Sunday, the 16th, it’s the trail runners turn on the mountain.
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The XTERRA Trail Run National Championship half-marathon features scenic views, technical trails, and big climbs. The half-marathon, plus the 5K and 10K trail runs are open to everyone, and it’s important to note that you don’t have to be fast to join in the fun. For some, it’s just about finishing and that’s okay as XTERRA is all about perpetuating the healthy, active, outdoors lifestyle.
In addition to the weekend races XTERRA will host an expo in downtown Ogden on Friday with free run and bike races for kids, a full-on Kids Zone, Suunto demos, triathlon clinics, and the Paul Mitchell hair cut-a-thon for charity.
There is great entertainment to be found at Snowbasin Resort highlighted by the spontaneous, ecstatic, and sometimes tear-jerking displays of emotion at the finish line for the races.
This year, experience it for yourself. Have a look at the schedule for places and times, and whether you race or not – join in the fun and excitement of XTERRA. For more info and links to registration visit www.xterrautah.com, or call toll-free to 877-751-8880. Live More!
ELITE RACE
The elite’s racing at the XTERRA Pan America Championship are among the best off-road triathletes in the world. The men’s race features the last three XTERRA World Champions with Bradley Weiss from South Africa (2017 Champ), Mauricio Mendez from Mexico (2016 Champ), and American great Josiah Middaugh from Eagle-Vail, Colorado (the 2015 Champ).
The women’s race is highlighted by two-time XTERRA World Champion Lesley Paterson from Scotland, XTERRA Pan Am Tour leader Fabiola Corona from Mexico, and America stand-outs like Julie Baker and Kara LaPoint.
Follow the elite race live on twitter @xterraoffroad starting at 9am on Sept. 15.
The 2018 XTERRA Pan Am Championship triathlon and XTERRA Trail Run National Championship are presented by the Utah Sports Commission and Paul Mitchell. Partners include Gatorade Endurance, Suunto, GOAL Foundation, OOFOS, Maui Visitors Bureau, Hawaii Tourism Authority, and the U.S. Forest Service.
About Utah Sports Commission
The Utah Sports Commission, a not-for-profit 501c6 business league and Utah Sports Commission Foundation, a not-for-profit 501c3 charitable organization, is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Trustees consisting of statewide sports, business, community, and government leaders. The Sports Commission was created to be a catalyst for Utah in its Olympic legacy efforts and to help enhance Utah’s economy, image and quality of life through the attraction, promotion and development of national and international sports. The Sports Commission works closely with communities, sports entities, and organizations to provide event services ranging from the bid process, on-site logistics, volunteer coordination, sponsorships and promotional opportunities and other related services. For more information, visit www.utahsportscommission.com
About XTERRA
XTERRA is a sports lifestyle brand that produces authentic race experiences and apparel for the outdoor enthusiast. In 2018, XTERRA will offer more than 300 off-road triathlon and trail running events in 30+ countries. XTERRA also offers premium, performance apparel and accessories for the trail and beyond. Learn more at xterraplanet.com.
