XTR Nationals PG 2010:XTERRA USA PRESS GUIDE.qxd.qxd

MEET SOME OF THE OREGONIANSJOHN KESTONSunriver, OregonMen 80-olderMaxAge: 85Rundown:John won an age-group national title at the 2008 XTERRATrail Run National Championship, but had to sit out last year’s race witha ruptured quadriceps in his right leg. He started running at age 55 as away to battle health problems, and he hasn’t stopped since. In 2001, hewas elected to the USA Track and Field Masters Hall of Fame. John isoriginally from London, England, and is a former professional singer andactor. He will perform the national anthem before this year’schampionship race in Bend.BRET KIMPLEPortland, OregonMen 40-44Age: 41Rundown: Bret is definitely a top contender in his age group, and couldbe among the overall leaders. He has won his age group at several racesin recent years, including third place overall at the Run Like Hell HalfMarathon in 2008, and third place overall at the Race for the Roses HalfMarathon in 2009. In July of this year, he placed 11th overall and secondin his age group at the USATF 15K Trail Championship.MAX KINGBend, OregonMen 30-34Age: 30Rundown: Max is the undisputed “King of XTERRA Trail Running,” andhe has two national and two world titles to prove it. He has won the lasttwo XTERRA Trail Run National Championship races at Bend, and norunner has come close to him in those two years. Earlier this year, hewon the inaugural USA Trail Half Marathon National Championships. Hewas also a member of the 2010 USA Mountain Running Team that wona silver medal at the World Mountain Running Championships inSlovenia. He placed 12th in the individual standings for that race. Maxworks as a bio-chemical engineer for Bend Research.20