2024 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship Preview: Sugarloaf Showdown

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CARRABASSETT VALLEY, Maine — The 15th XTERRA Trail Run World Championship returns to Sugarloaf Mountain this Labor Day weekend, August 30 to September 1, 2024. Athletes from 28 countries will compete in the Full Marathon and Half Marathon championship races on September 1, challenging themselves against two of the most flowing courses in the trail running world.

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This year’s event not only promises high-caliber competition with a combined $10,000 prize purse but also a festival atmosphere that celebrates the camaraderie of the XTERRA community. Live music, food, and activities for all ages, including kids’ races and shorter trail runs, also ensures a fun weekend for families and supporters.

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Full Marathon Course Overview

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The 2024 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship features a 42K Trail Marathon that challenges runners through Maine's demanding trails. Starting under the XTERRA Arch on Main Street in Sugarloaf Village, the race begins with a steep 5K ascent on the 355 trail, climbing 750 meters to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain and totaling an elevation gain of 1,500 meters.

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Post-summit, the course descends briefly before tackling new terrains, including the ascent of Burnt Mountain. This leads to the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center where the full marathon continues with a 4K climb to the Stratton Brook Hut at the 28K mark, followed by a descent to the Carrabassett River.

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Reflecting on last year's race, 2023 Women’s XTERRA Trail Run World Champion Caitlin Patterson (USA) remarked on the advantages of the early morning temperatures, saying they allowed for "a lot of easing into it." Third-place finisher Britta Clark (USA) enjoyed the "fun mix of single track" and the "nice and cool" conditions atop the mountain, along with the "beautiful foliage," describing the experience as "a great time." This year’s marathon route will rejoin the half marathon path at the Outdoor Center, leading runners along varied trails to the finish line on Main Street. 

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Start List Here. 

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Half Marathon Course Overview

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The 2024 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship's Half Marathon spans 22K through the scenic trails of Sugarloaf Mountain. Starting on Main Street in Sugarloaf Village, the race provides space for runners to position themselves before tackling the steep 355 trail. This first 5K section ascends 750 meters, offering a summit view before a 1K descent and a traverse across the mountain.

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At the 7.5K point, the course introduces a new trail leading to The Golden Road and up Burnt Mountain, followed by a descent to the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center. By the 17K mark, the route splits from the Full Marathon course, guiding Half Marathon competitors around Moose Pond and along a combination of singletrack and broader paths.

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The event wraps up in Sugarloaf Village, where runners are met with a lively atmosphere as the new XTERRA Half Marathon World Champions are crowned.

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Start List Here.

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Key Competitors in Both Championship Races

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Men’s Full Marathon

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Grant Colligan (USA) stands out in the trail running community with numerous victories in mountain races. His seasoned approach and knack for navigating demanding courses make him a top contender for this Full Marathon. His expertise in handling difficult climbs and technical trails is crucial as he aims for an XTERRA Trail Run World Championship title.

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Galen Hecht (USA) combines speed with endurance, backed by his experience in trail and ultra-running. His recent achievements in high-altitude, tough races demonstrate his capacity to thrive under challenging conditions and make him a tough competitor.

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Mead Binhammer (USA) is a promising newcomer who has shown potential with solid results in regional races. His resilience and adaptability to difficult trails position him as a potential surprise contender in the race.

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Women’s Full Marathon

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Caitlin Patterson (USA), the reigning XTERRA Trail Run Full Marathon World Champion from 2023, returns with a strong background in trail running and cross-country skiing. Her proven endurance and mental resilience make her a likely candidate to defend her title and continue her championship legacy.

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Shea Aquilano (USA), an emerging force in trail running, has recently shown that she can compete with the best despite having less experience. Her energy and determination may well earn her a top spot.

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Lila Gaudrault (USA), from Maine, is proficient in mountainous settings, leveraging her local knowledge and recent successful regional performances. Her capabilities on steep inclines and quick sections are vital as she aims for a podium finish this year.

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Men’s Half Marathon

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Remi Leroux (CAD) brings substantial international experience, having excelled in mountain running events like the 2024 Broken Arrow Skyrace 23K where he placed eighth. As part of a significant Canadian contingent, Leroux is a strong contender aiming for the Trail Run World Championship title in the Half Marathon. 

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Christopher Levesque Savard (CAD) returns to the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship with a solid history in the event. His proficiency in technical trail sections and familiarity with the course might provide the advantage he needs to secure a victory for Canada.

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Corey Woltering (USA), known for his versatility in ultra-running, brings a wealth of experience from long-distance races. His endurance and adeptness over diverse terrains position him as a top competitor in this intense half marathon race.

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Women’s Half Marathon

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Corey Dowe (USA) is back at Sugarloaf Mountain after securing third place in the 2023 Half Marathon. Known in North Conway, New Hampshire for her skills in managing steep climbs and technical trails, Dowe is a prime candidate to contend for the top position this year.

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Abigail Bennett (USA) of Jackson, New Hampshire, leverages her deep understanding of the local trails and affinity for uphill challenges. Relatively new to XTERRA, Bennett’s insights from previous races could make her a notable competitor at the front of the pack.

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Alicia Cutter (USA) makes her XTERRA Trail Run World Championship debut following her record-setting performance with the Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the Blue Hills Skyline Trail in Massachusetts. With proven endurance and determination, Cutter steps into the Half Marathon as a potential dark horse to claim the title.

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‍The XTERRA Trail Run World Championship in Sugarloaf, Maine, will enhance its three-day festival atmosphere with performances by local bands and will conclude with a 'Dinner of Champions,' celebrating all participants. Concurrently, the journey to the 2025 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship in Snowdonia is underway with this weekend’s championship races providing additional qualification opportunities for athletes aiming to compete in consecutive XTERRA Trail Run World Championships. Followers can catch all the event highlights and updates by following the XTERRA Trail Run Instagram account and subscribing to the XTERRA YouTube channel for the latest video content.