XTERRA Trail Run Series is Auckland’s premier winter off-road running event and now offers extra motivation to include the series on your winter events calendar.
In 2009 XTERRA announced their relationship with international development agency, Oxfam New Zealand. Five dollars of each entry fee will go to Oxfam New Zealand which works with people in more than 100 countries to fight the injustice of poverty.
Oxfam New Zealand has a similar event which involves a course of 100kms, but Jo Jukes, Oxfam’s Marketing Events Manager, notes that, “walking or running 100km isn’t for everyone, XTERRA can be, and we’re thrilled to be on board.”
Each event in the XTERRA run series offers four course lengths from short for beginners to the super long course for the more advanced. The series attracts people with a range of abilities and ages ranging from 60 years to secondary and intermediate aged children.
The trails lead runners through some of Auckland’s most stunning scenery; through the dense bush of Hunua ranges to the scenic more panoramic Whangaparaoa coast.
Event Director Bryce Green can be found testing the trails prior to the event day just to get a feel for the course. “This is a low key running event where people can get together and give any course length a good go without being too overwhelmed with the idea of competitive trail running,” says Green. “The focus of the series has always been about the people and helping them to achieve a goal or just to keep active over winter.”
So once you’ve crossed that finish line, what should you expect? Well there will be a sausage sizzling away with your name on it, a cold Speight’s waiting should you wish and plenty of good people to talk about your adventure.
In total the series comprises of six events planned from early May to late August. To register or find out more on the XTERRA series visit www.totalsport.co.nz.
