XTERRA SoCal Runners Prepare to Take Their Marks at Mission Gorge

RACE #5 IN THE XTERRA SOCAL TRAIL RUN SERIES

After being crowned XTERRA’s muddiest trail run ever just one year ago, the XTERRA Mission Gorge Trail Run is coming back on February 1st to take on runners who are out for revenge against this torturous course. 

Inside the Mission Trails Regional Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country and just 20 minutes from downtown San Diego, 400 runners will line up at the start to challenge the grueling 15-kilometer endurance event or the fun 5-kilometer dash for the finish. With over 40 miles of rugged, looming hills, deep valleys, and vast open plains, the Mission Trails Regional Park is a trail runner’s playground until a wet downpour drenches the dusty, dirt trails. After the race last year, one runner said, “"It was like running in snot.” But according to another participant, professional triathlete Conrad Stoltz, "When the course gets tough and the weather gets bad, that's when it becomes an XTERRA."

Even if the sun decides to shine, the 15km course still has its share of obstacles with 1561 feet of elevation gain and a steep incline of 1000 log steps leading the way from mile 5 to mile 6. In total, almost a third of the course is uphill, so runners will be grateful to reach the peak at mile 6 and barrel down the 800 foot elevation drop to the ending plateau guiding the way to the finish. 

The XTERRA Mission Gorge Trail Run is the fifth of seven races in the 2009 XTERRA SoCal Trail Run Series. Since September, local runners have been competing and earning points toward their series totals in hopes of being crowned a regional champion and winning free entry to this year’s XTERRA Trail Running National Championship in Bend, Oregon. For more information about the XTERRA Trail Run Series, visit www.xterratrailrun.com.   

XTERRA Mission Gorge 15km/5km Trail Run Race Information

When: Sunday, February 1, 2009: 15km – 8:00am / 5km – 8:30am.

Where: Mission Trails Regional Park – 20 minutes from downtown San Diego, CA

Awards: Finisher medals guaranteed to first 300 finishers. Sign up is limited to 400, so early registration is encouraged.

Entry Fee: 15km - $60 / 5km - $40

Aid / Water Stations: At miles 1.2, 3.5, 6.0, 9.4 and finish.

Registration and Information: Can be found by visiting www.xterratrailrun.com or by contacting race director Brennan Lindner at info@genericevents.com or 310-821-7898. 

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