XTERRA Lake Las Vegas Trail Run is a Month Away

Runners from around the country expected to race on April 15.

Las Vegas does not discriminate. Anyone and everyone have a shot at winning. The same holds true for the XTERRA Lake Las Vegas Trail Run, which is now a month away.

The XTERRA Lake Las Vegas Trail Run is scheduled for April 15, and it will take place on a course just off the Aston MonteLago Village Resort at Lake Las Vegas -- about 17 miles off the famous Las Vegas Strip.

"It's Las Vegas. Who doesn't need that on their schedule," said elite runner Brandon Mader, who will make the trip from Alabama to race in the XTERRA Lake Las Vegas Trail Run. "I'm looking forward to the trip. It's somewhere I've never been, and any chance I have to visit the mountains out west is automatically a desirable trip."

Mader is not alone in his desire to travel to Las Vegas for the race. Last year, runners from 18 different states were on the starting line for the XTERRA Lake Las Vegas Trail Run. This year, runners from as far east as Connecticut, and as far west as Hawaii have already registered.

The influx of flights to Las Vegas, the abundance of hotel rooms, and the obvious draw of the bright lights of the Strip are all factors that make the XTERRA Lake Las Vegas Trail Run a relatively easy choice for runners looking for a reason to travel for a race.

There is also the uniqueness of the course. The XTERRA Lake Las Vegas Trail Run is held on a desert course just off the Aston MonteLago Village Resort. The combination of hard-packed sand, loose rocks of various sizes, and a lack of forestation has led some runners to describe it as "like running on the moon."

Mader, who is considered the top-ranked runner in the XTERRA Alabama Trail Run Series, said out-of-town runners should embrace the unknown and enjoy the experience of running in unfamiliar conditions.

"The advantage is a lack of apprehension about the course," he said. "If you haven't seen it, you won't hesitate to push yourself. It's more of an adventure. However, that same cavalier freedom can get you in over your head when you hit the hills XTERRA races are known for."

The best part? These races are open to one and all. There will be three courses to accommodate the various levels of runners - a 21-kilometer long course, as well as 10K and 5K runs.

Virtually every major airport in the United States has daily flights to Las Vegas, so it's not too late to make arrangements to join the growing field at the 2012 XTERRA Lake Las Vegas Trail Run.

For those wanting to stay in a room near the picturesque Lake Las Vegas, the Ravella Hotel & Resort is your answer. The Ravella - which virtually overlooks the race site -- has agreed to offer an "XTERRA Rate" for the week of the race, with prices ranging from $119 to $139 per night.

Call 1-888-810-0440 and ask for the XTERRA Rate to book a room. To learn more about the Ravella Hotel & Resort, please visit www.ravellavegas.com.

XTERRA LAKE LAS VEGAS TRAIL RUN

Where: Aston MonteLago Village Resort, Lake Las Vegas
When: Sunday, April 15, 8 a.m. start
Courses: 21 kilometers, 10 kilometers or 5 kilometers
Who: Open to runners of all ages and skill levels
Entry fees: $50 for 21k, $40 for 10k, $30 for 5k; discounts available for students and military
Registration/Information: http://www.xterraplanet.com/xduro/lakelasvegas.html

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