The end of September sees a big weekend at Snowbasin as the XTERRA USA Championship will be held in northern Utah’s mountains. For us mortals, the event is one we can only watch from the sidelines, as only qualified athletes (read: gods of triathlons) will be allowed to compete. But this year’s event may be one you grab the cowbell and show up for, because rumor has it Lance Armstrong will be competing at this year’s event.
The XTERRA USA Championship is the culmination of a series of more than 50 qualifying events across the United States that award points to the top athletes in XTERRA’s eight regions. Pro athletes race for their share of the $80,000 prize purse. Sixty-thousand for the XTERRA America Tour Championship , and $20,000 goes to the fastest pros at nationals.
In addition, the XTERRA Trail Run Nationals will be held one day after the XTERRA USA Championship off-road triathlon to create the ultimate XTERRA racing weekend. In addition to the championship, XTERRA offers races for trail runners, as well as the XTERRA Utah short and long course off-road triathlons. While there, you can pick up tips from the pros at one of the XTERRA University clinics or enjoy the XTERRA Expo. Kids can get into the fun at the XTERRA Kids Zone… and it all happens in our backyard on September 24th-25th at Snowbasin.
While you’re there, be sure to check out the annual Harvest Moon Festival on Ogden’s Historic 25th Street. For more info, visit their website.