Fuhr, Mills Blaze Through Black Mountain at XTERRA Trail Run

(San Diego, CA) – Multi-sport stars studded the field at yesterday’s inaugural XTERRA Black Mountain Trail Run. 375 athletes followed the lead of Heather Fuhr, 41, and Brandon Mills, 29, who took first place in the 15-kilometer event for their respective divisions.

Encinitas local Fuhr, considered one of the best women runners in the professional triathlon world, crossed the finish line in a blazing 1:04:08 taking first for the women and third overall. Said to be the greatest triathlete of all time, icon Paula Newby-Fraser, 47 also of Encinitas, claimed the runner-up position 7 minutes later. Emily Kraus, 24 of Temecula, rounded out the top three in 1:15:25.

The men’s 15km race was claimed by Mills, a hometown favorite, in 1:03:13. Less than a minute later came San Diego’s long time endurance athlete 39-year old Kevin Gillotti. Having been called a living miracle after a 2001 accident, Gillotti has recovered to become faster than ever. Also in attendance and coming in 8th for the men was former top level triathlete and coach Paul Huddle clocking in at 1:09:28.

For the 5-kilometer event, Myra Bregman, 44 of Dana Point, won the women’s race in 28:45 with San Diego local Bevin Keen, 32, almost 4 minutes behind her. Mike Rentz, 25 of San Diego, had the fastest finish for the men in 25:37 with former pro-triathlete and coaching expert Roch Frey right on his heels 30 second later.

This first-time event was a huge success. Most runners crossed the finish line before the mid-morning downpour, and luckily the rattlesnake at mile 7.5 was no longer alive. With only 300 feet of elevation gain, this course was the fastest and flattest course in the XTERRA SoCal Trail Run Series.

The XTERRA Black Mountain Trail Run was the sixth of seven races in the XTERRA Trail Run Series giving runners only one more opportunity to earn series points and win the title of Regional Champion for their free entry to the XTERRA Trail Running National Championship on September 13 in Bend, Oregon. Then it’s on to Hawaii where runners can race against the world’s best trail runners at the XTERRA Trail Running World Championship on December 6.

Complete race results are attached and more information can be found online at www.xterratrailrun.com. Media interested in photos from this event should contact emily@xterraplanet.com.

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