Mach3Multisport.com

This story is not unique.  Too often, accomplished triathletes downplay XTERRA into merely a triathlon on the dirt.  It’s so much more than that, and XTERRA prides itself on being such.  This is not meant to scare you, but to ensure you approach your first XTERRA with the proper respect for the sport.  XTERRA is this:  it’s the most fun you’ll have in the sport.  Seriously.  But bring some band-aids. 

First off, the people in the sport are great.  It’s what triathlon was in the 80’s:  low key events, a relaxed atmosphere, and a great post-race attitude.  The pros mill around with the age-groupers; they help the novice athletes pump their tires before the race, they give them tips on their transitions, they sit with them under a tree on the grass waiting for the awards ceremony.  It’s the best opportunity I’ve seen for the beginner and experienced amateurs to get tips from the pros.  The amateurs are more laid back than in a road triathlon, where some tend to get a bit high-strung pre-race.  Not in XTERRA.   

XTERRA, the brand name for a world-wide series of off-road triathlons produced by TEAM Unlimited, has become synonymous with off-road triathlon.  There are many off-road triathlons that are not XTERRA, and the entire industry of off-road triathlon is quickly growing.    

The courses are similar to road triathlon:  There are sprints, or XTERRA points series races.  These are typically 1km/12-15mi/3-4mi and last about 1:30 for the top racers.  The XTERRA National Points Series races are similar to Olympic distance, but 1.5km/30km/10km.  These take about 2:30 to 3 hours for the winners.  There are a few companies who put on half iron distance off-road events and even one iron distance event.  I cringe just thinking about those. 

Now that you know what it is, we’ll talk about training for XTERRA and Off-Road Triathlon next time. 

Brian

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