Stevens and Elllis Take Top Honors at White Tanks

Arizona Series resumes after two-month break

The XTERRA Arizona Trail Run Series returned in style last weekend.

After a two-month break between races, close to 300 runners participated in the XTERRA White Tanks Trail Run on Sunday, Jan. 9, at the White Tanks Mountain Regional Park in Waddell, Ariz. The runners were welcomed back by picturesque views, challenging trails and comfortable weather.

Ryan Stevens of Flagstaff, Ariz., made quite a first impression, winning the race in convincing fashion in his first try in an XTERRA Trail Run. He completed the 19-kilometer course in 1 hour, 24 minutes, 16 seconds.

"The course was highlighted by the long climbs and expansive views of the valley," said Stevens, who is 27 and works as an attorney in Flagstaff. "Really inspiring. Rocky but maneuverable, the trails created a race that never had a dull moment."

Stevens broke free from the lead pack on the first uphill climb, and stayed in front the rest of the way. Shawn Martin of Chinle, Ariz., placed second with a time of 1:26:45.

"Shawn Martin is a great runner and I respect him a lot," Stevens said. "I pushed the pace all the way up to the first climb and Shawn was right there with me. I took a risk by pushing the first mile of the climb, and was able to get out on my own by doing that."

Johnathan Yazzie placed third in 1:29:05. Martin is the cross country coach at Chinle High School, and Yazzie is one of the runners on the team.

Katie Ellis of Phoenix dominated the women's division, completing the course in 1:38:55.

"This course offers some of the most beautiful single track I've ever run," said Ellis, who is 25 and a professional triathlete. "Several switchbacks lead up Mesquite Canyon, offering plenty of opportunities to view those ahead - or way above - you.

"The course finally topped out at 2,900 feet after nearly 1,800 feet of climbing. The descent was fast despite some rocky sections and sharp turns. Miss a turn and you'd go flying off the edge."

Rolanda Jumbo, another member of the Chinle High cross country team, placed second in the women's division in 1:41:27. Andi Felton of Scottsdale, Ariz., was third in 1:43:10.

The White Tanks Trail Run was the second of three events in the XTERRA Arizona Trail Run Series. The third, and final, event of the season will be the XTERRA McDowell Mountain Trail Run on Feb. 6.

At the conclusion of the series, the top runner in each age group will earn free entry to the 2011 XTERRA Trail Run National Championship in September.

For complete results from the White Tanks Trail Run, and entry information for the McDowell Mountain Trail Run, please visit www.aztrailrace.com or www.xterratrailrun.com.

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