Xterra’s off road tracks may be harder than road running, but organisers say they’re also more interesting . and the injury rate is lower. Photo / SuppliedNew Zealand’s largest and oldest off road running series begins next Sunday at Riverhead Forest and it’s not only elite athletes lining up to go super long who can’t wait to hit the trails.The trail running series is in KOBE 9 its eighth year and has grown significantly.The number of people taking part has increased from about 50 people in each event in 2004 to an average of 650 Air Jordan 9 Retro this year.In the past, the events appealed to more “serious” athletes, but they now attract an increasing number of beginner runners and walkers.”Busy people are looking for engaging event ‘experiences’, and these sort of events provide people with the opportunity to challenge themselves, and achieve with similar like minded people,” said Aaron Carter of Total Sport.The gender division has also changed. Nowadays the split is close to 50/50 male and female, whereas in 2004, 70 per cent of Xterra athletes were male.The organisers expect 3500 to 4500 participants in this year’s six event Xterra series, which is an easy way for athletes to build and sustain their fitness through winter.”Because there are four event distances to choose from at each event, there is a distance for everyone to tackle,” said Carter.”The past few years have seen a massive increase in female participants, particularly over the short and mid course distances.”Both these distances can be walked.Off road running is growing in popularity, and Carter sees several reasons for this.”The locations of these events are scenic, challenging and unique environments,” he said.”Running or walking off road decreases the level of injuries to people.”This was true particularly in the participant age group, 30 49 years.”Trail running and walking are more interesting,” said Carter.”So while it can be harder than running on the road given the Air Jordan 3s terrain challenges of mud, hills, uneven and varied surfaces it is more invigorating and captures attention more than pounding the pavement.”Defending men’s Jordan Pro Strong champion James Kuegler, who is fresh after competing in the Routeburn Classic a few weeks ago, makes the Xterra series a priority every year.”There Air Jordan 10s is a great camaraderie at the Xterra events,” he said. “It is always great to catch up with friends, and meet new ones.”I haven’t felt any pressure [as defending champion], or considered there was any, but great, I eat that pressure for breakfast.”I will be racing as hard as ever, but I am not going to get caught up on the results. I put the major focus on enjoyment, and when I am enjoying my training the results take care of themselves.”Kuegler remembers beginning the series in 2007 as a 19 year old looking up to the likes of Nick Hirschfeld and Michael Adams and dreaming of one day winning.
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