Defending Champions return to XTERRA National Trail Running Champs

It is going to be a tight battle at the front end of the field at the XTERRA National Trail Running Championships again this year with both defending champions and silver medalists back on the start line again this year.

Taking place in the beautiful Redwoods Forest, Rotorua on Saturday 24th October, hundreds of walkers and runners of all abilities will converge on what is widely regarded as some of the best off-road running terrain in the country.

The event has three event options; 5km, 10km and 21km – all of which can be completed as a walk or run and cover beautifully groomed tracks and stunning native scenery.

For the more competitive runners, the 21km event doubles as the 2009 New Zealand Trail Running Championships and with last years top place getters back on the start line – it is going to be another great race!

It was just over a minute that separated last years professional first and second place getters - local hero, Steven O’Callaghan took the title over Kyle MacDonald in the mens event. Both O’Callaghan and MacDonald are back on the start line again ready to do battle for National title and the $1200 first place cheque.

Last years female champion, Ady Ngawati, is travelling from Whangarei for this event and will be challenged by last year’s runner-up, Lara Phillips. Both these athletes are in great form and are using this event as training for the XTERRA World Trail Running Championships in Maui on Saturday 5th December.

The race is just a week before the Honolulu Marathon – setting up what promises to be a great double and one of the ‘greatest weeks of running on earth’.

Ngawati, fresh off her win at the Arthur Lydiard Legend Marathon last month, is looking forward to taking on the world’s best in Maui.

“It is a great opportunity really – I can’t wait. My partner and I will head over to Hawaii for 10 days, with the Honolulu Marathon the week after. It is a great opportunity to do two great international events in just a few days!”

Just one minute separated the top two females at last years event, second place-getter, Lara Phillips went on to have further success in Rotorua, winning the Rotorua Marathon.

The XTERRA Trail Challenge really is an event for runners and walkers of all abilities and celebrates those that have seen the (off-road) light and have chosen positive health as part of their lifestyle. The challenge also empowers those that compete and is set in some of the world’s most stunning scenery – we look forward to seeing you there.

For more information;

www.xterra.co.nz


2008 results;

Pro Men – Long Course
1 Steven O'Callaghan 1:17:21
2 Kyle MacDonald 1:18:36
3 Mark McKeown 1:20:32

Pro Women – Long Course
1 Ady Ngawati 1:30:02
2 Lara Phillips 1:31:09
3 Sarah Biss 1:34:55