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

THE COURSEUnder a special use permit from the Deschutes National Forest, the national championship runs from Downtown topristine forest trails in a matter of miles then weaves along the scenic Deschutes River trail that serves up some of Bend’sfinest scenery. Runners can expect a fast and fun course with lots of switchbacks on sandy, rocky, and dirt-strewn singleand double track trails. There is a little more than 1,000 feet of elevation gain, and the first ½ -mile or so is on a pavedurban trail on the east side of the river before crossing over the footbridge adjacent to Farewell Bend Park and onto westside dirt trails. From there the course follows the river trail upstream to a right turn that climbs past Mt. Bachelor Villageto Haul Road. Once runners reach Entrada Lodge via Haul Road they’ll travel in a counter-clockwise direction on the trailmarked "jogging trail" and make their way towards Widgi Creek Golf course using primarily single track trails. Where theForest Service road meets Widgi Creek Golf course racers head towards the river and hop on "river trail" at Meadow Campand run back towards the Old Mill alongside the Deschutes. The single track trail marked "Entrada Loop" will take the fieldback the same way they came out towards the finish line across the footbridge at Center Plaza between Anthony’s and theGap. The course should be marked by Friday afternoon before the race.Note: The 5k will turn around atMt. Bachelor Village and the10km will turn around just beforeEntrada Lodge.Aid Stations: Their will beseveral aid stations on the 21kmcourse each featuring nutritionand hydration from our loyalsponsors at GU and Gatorade,and of course, Earth2o water.9