Weather Challenges XTERRA Runners in Hibernia Park

Dix, Banks Win XTERRA Philly Trail 8K Run

COATESVILLE, Pa. – (June 17, 2009) – The XTERRA Philly Trail Run Series can handle a little rain during their races, but Wednesday night’s reports of thunderstorms, downpours and chest deep water certainly gave area athletes a run for their money. Race director Don Morrison described the conditions. “With days of soaking showers in the Philadelphia area and a hard driving rain at race time, the rocks, roots, mud and hills of Hibernia Park proved to be a real XTERRA challenge for all.”

Despite the wet weather, Dan Dix was able to tough it out for his third win of the 2009 XTERRA Philly Trail Run season. On his home course, Dix, 30, took the night’s top prize in 29 minutes, 32 seconds taking the 8K win over Brian McNally, 24, of Phoenixville, PA by just 9 seconds. Derek Schultz earned his fourth consecutive runner-up age group finish behind Dix in 30:24.

Another newcomer to the women’s race kept series standout Jerilyn Kucharski from the winner’s position. Corrine Banks, 29 of Ocean City, MD, led the field with her time of 35:16, over a minute ahead of 27-year old, two-time champion Quakertown resident Kucharski.

On his way home from the XTERRA Richmond Xduro this past weekend, Richard Burgunder of Astoria, NY racked up another notch on his XTERRA racing belt. Coming in 7th place overall in 33:04, he described the race as “a great challenging course. I loved the muddy technical sections, and I can’t wait for the XTERRA Bear Creek 21K Xduro coming up on July 19.”

Top runners in last night’s race earned points toward their series totals. Those finishing the season with the highest scores will earn the title of XTERRA Philly Regional Champion and receive free entry to the XTERRA Trail Running National Championship on Sunday, September 13 in Bend, Oregon. From there, runners can join Burgunder and the rest of an international field of the world’s best trail runners at the XTERRA Trail Running World Championship on Sunday, December 6 on the amazing and adventure-filled Hawaiian island of Oahu.

For more information about the XTERRA Trail Run Series, visit: www.XTERRAtrailrun.com

Upcoming 2009 XTERRA Philly Trail Run Series:

* XTERRA Bear Creek Xduro Trail Run 10K / 21K – 07/19/09 – Macungie, PA