XTERRA Returns to Oak Mountain for 14th Year, May 18-19
XTERRA is celebrating its 14th year of triathlon and trail run racing at Oak Mountain State Park in Shelby County, Alabama on May 18-19.
The May 18 off-road triathlon race is part of both the XTERRA America and Pan America Tours, which attracts elites from around the world racing for points and their share of the $15,000 prize purse, and amateurs from across the country trying to qualify for the XTERRA World Championship.
The event combines a one-mile swim in the warm water of Double Oak Lake with a grueling 20-mile mountain bike on the highly acclaimed Oak Mountain trails, and a twisting 10km trail run.
"Bama is my favorite race in the U.S. because of the hidden gem that is Oak Mountain State Park," said three-time XTERRA World Champion Lesley Paterson. "The single track is phenomenal."
Paterson isn’t the only one with high praise for the course at Oak Mountain State Park. Runner’s World Magazine has called the trails one of America’s “Crown Jewels – 25 best trails in the nation.”
In addition to the XTERRA Championship and half-distance XTERRA Sprint race XTERRA will host a beginner and family-friendly “Xticer” race that combines a 200-meter swim with a 10K mountain bike, and 2K trail run. Then on Sunday XTERRA will host a full set of trail runs to include a 5km trail run/walk option and competitive 10km and 20km events.
To complement the races Oak Mountain State Park offers a wealth of family activities, a wildlife center, swimming beach, fishing, horseback riding, golfing, boat rental, camping, and more. For a complete guide to the area visit www.discovershelby.com.
Learn more at xterraplanet.com.