DeGraw, Stewart Win XTERRA White Tanks 20K
On January 6, 2019, Art DeGraw and Katie Stewart captured the titles at the XTERRA White Tanks 20K. The race was held in White Tanks Mountain Regional Park near Waddell, Arizona.
DeGraw, who was the 2018 XTERRA Arizona Trail Run Regional Champ in the 35-39 age group, won the 20K in 1:24:09. Cliff Lentz was second in 1:34:06 and Brian King was third in 1:37:06. In the women’s division, Stewart crossed the line first in 1:54:42. Julie Lau was second in 1:57:32 and Kyle Colburn was third in 2:13:11.
The 20K course included over 1500 feet of climbing on the Ironwood and Waddell Trails.
Megan Kupres, who was the 2018 XTERRA Arizona Trail Run Regional Champ in the 20-24 age group has been injured with medial tibia stress syndrome (MTSS), came out to volunteer for the race because she was not able to compete.
“I just got back to running and so far so good,” said Kupres. “My fingers are crossed to be able to participate in the next race at the XTERRA McDowell 23K in February.”
XTERRA White Tanks also hosted an 8K, which didn’t have the climbing of the 20K course but was rocky and technical nonetheless.
Jake Hernandez was the overall 8K champ in 28:45 while Jorge Corona was second in 28:57. Angel Tapia was third in 29:47. For the women, Melissa Verhaeghe was the overall winner in 31:53. Stephanie Borg was second in 32:42 while Julietta Tavizon was third in 35:34.
Athletes earn points in each race of the XTERRA Arizona Trail Run Series. 100 points are awarded to each age group champ, with points awarded through 15th place. The athlete with the most points- by gender and age group-race earns the title of XTERRA Arizona Trail Run Series Champion and earns free entry into the XTERRA National Championship in Ogden, Utah in September 2019.
The next race in the XTERRA Arizona Trail Run Series is XTERRA McDowell Mountain on February 3rd.
Learn more about XTERRA McDowell Mountain
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