XTERRA Trail Runs Return to Washington for 2012-13 Season

Harvest Half Trail Run this weekend is first of four events

Runners in Washington can double their fun in the 2012-13 season of the XTERRA Pacific Northwest Trail Run Series.

The series made its debut on the XTERRA Trail Run circuit last season with two races, and it will double to four races this season.

The XTERRA Harvest Half Trail Run this weekend at Kirkland, Washington, will serve as the first event on the 2012-13 schedule. The race will take place at St. Edward State Park, and it is open to runners of all ages and skill levels. There will be two courses for runners to choose from - a 21-kilometer long course, and a 10-kilometer course.

Other races will follow in 2013: February, June and September. Each race will take runners along picturesque and challenging mountain trails in the state of Washington. It is worth noting that runners from all states are welcome to enter the XTERRA Pacific Northwest Series.

"I think XTERRA coming to the Pacific Northwest is a match made in heaven for any trail runner," said Keith Laverty, an elite runner from Bellevue, Wash. "What a great opportunity to not only run on amazing wilderness trails but also still compete at a high level. Building up and earning points throughout the year via a race series is a cool concept."

The top runners in each age group will receive points at every race that will count toward the overall standings of the series. At the conclusion of the series, each age-group champion will receive a free entry to represent the Pacific Northwest at the 2013 XTERRA Trail Run National Championship in Utah.

The Pacific Northwest is one of 13 regions that is hosting an XTERRA Trail Run Series for the 2012-13 season. The others are Alabama, Arizona, Northern California, Southern California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Pocono, Puerto Rico, South Carolina and Texas.

To enter a race in the Pacific Northwest Series or to learn more about it, please visit www.nwtrailruns.com.

XTERRA Harvest Half Trail Run
When: Saturday, October 13, 9:30 a.m. start
Where: St. Edward State Park, Kirkland, Washington
Who: Open to runners of all ages and skill levels
Courses: 21 kilometers or 10 kilometers
Entry fees: $49 for 21K; $42 for 10K
Information: www.nwtrailruns.com

2012-13 XTERRA Pacific Northwest Trail Run Series
October 13, 2012 - XTERRA Harvest Half Trail Run (Kirkland, Wash.) 21K/10K
March 23, 2013 - XTERRA Fort Steilacoom Trail Run (Lakewood, Wash.) 16K/8K
June 1, 2013 - XTERRA Lord Hill Trail Run (Snohomish, Wash.) 21K/10K
August 31, 2013 - XTERRA Puget Sound Trail Run (Puget Sound, Wash.)

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