XTERRA Oak Mountain Trail Run is Always a Favorite

Mention the words “Oak Mountain” to any one who has ever run the course, and their eyes will light up. At almost 10,000 acres with over 50 miles of trails, Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, Alabama is one of the largest and most beautiful state parks in the country.

Held on May 21, 2017, the XTERRA Oak Mountain Trail Run offers a 20K for long-distance runners as well as 10K and 5K races. All three courses will take place on the award-winning trails at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, Alabama. The 10K and 5K loops are separate courses, and the 20K racers run the 10K loop twice.

Last year, pro triathlete Mauricio Mendez won the men’s 20K trail run by almost four minutes. He ran a quick 1:16 after placing second in the XTERRA Oak Mountain off road triathlon just 2 days earlier. On women’s side, Rachel Harley of Birmingham won in 1:26, over two minutes ahead of second place Jennifer McGranahan, Pensacola.

“We are looking forward to another great year at XTERRA Oak Mountain,” said Trail Run Manager, Emily McIlvaine. “There are a lot of great athletes on the start list already including Andy Lee, two-time XTERRA National Trail Run Champ.”

Just outside of Birmingham, the park seems to be a world away from the city. From winding single track through the woods to flat open meadows to rocky trails that skirt lakes and waterfalls, Oak Mountain is a stunning and challenging route with superbly maintained trails.

“Oak Mountain is a beautiful course,” said Jo May, who won her age group in the 20K XTERRA Trail Run in 2016. “Even better are the people who participate. They will push you to do your best and will pick you up if you fall.”

In 2017, Competitor magazine named the XTERRA Oak Mountain Trail Run as one of the 19 Most Stunning Trail Races and compression+design named it the best trail run in Alabama. In 2011 Runner’s World magazine ranked Oak Mountain as one of the top 25 “Crown Jewels” of running trails across America.

All age-group winners for the 20K will receive a free entry to the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship in Hawaii in December. XTERRA Oak Mountain will also serve as the season finale for the XTERRA Alabama Trail Run Series.

Learn more and register for the 2017 XTERRA Oak Mountain.

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