Bend Named Host for XTERRA Trail Running Championships

The Bend Visitor & Convention Bureau, in partnership with the Oregon Sports Authority, today announced that Bend has been named the host destination for the 2008 and 2009 XTERRA Trail Running National Championships. Bend, which was recently voted “America’s Best Trail Running Town” by the editors of Outside Magazine, was selected above other competing destinations due to its variety of terrain, mild fall climate, running-friendly trails, and the enthusiasm, interest and support of the local community.

“Bend has received national and international recognition as a trail running mecca,” said Doug LaPlaca, President and CEO of the Bend Visitor & Convention Bureau. “The next logical step for us is to identify and pursue opportunities to convert that recognition into increased tourism revenue, and the XTERRA Trail Running National Championship is a perfect fit.”

The BVCB worked closely with the Oregon Sports Authority to secure the event, which is expected to attract a minimum of 300 competitors as well as family, staff, media and spectators to Bend at a time when lodging occupancy is typically low. Though the event date has been set for Saturday, September 27, 2008, a specific venue has not been selected. In the coming months, race organizers and the Bend VCB will work with local public and private groups including the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bend Metro Parks & Recreation, and private landowners and developers to identify a race venue and begin any necessary permit/approval processes.

“When we launched our Central Oregon Chapter in October, this is exactly the type of event we had in mind for the region,” said Drew Mahalic, CEO of the Oregon Sports Authority. “Bend’s reputation as an outdoor recreation destination will be a huge asset as we plan this event, and look to secure other, similar events of national prominence in the future.”

The XTERRA Trail Running National Championship’s main race is an Xduro (21k/13.1 mile) half-marathon distance event, but the day-long running celebration will also feature races of 10k and 5k distances, a festival/expo center for participants and spectators, and live entertainment. While the race field will include competitors who have qualified for the National Championship at other events, participation in all races is open to the general public.

“The U.S. Trail Run Series is one of the fastest-growing segments of XTERRA, with more than 50 races in 15 states on the calendar for 2008,” said Tom Kiely, CEO of TEAM Unlimited, owner of XTERRA. “The Trail Running National Championship is the culmination of that series, and we are certain Bend will be an excellent backdrop upon which the event will unfold.”