Passed the Sports Nutrition TestApproved Team Elite Member

Richard Burgunder
Team Elite - Running, United States

Powerblog

XTERRA West Championship - Trail Run 21km and Red Rock Canyon Adventure

I recently had the opportunity to travel out west to participate in the XTERRA West Championship and Lake Las Vegas Trail Runs. This was a spectacular off-road event held in the Desert Mountains, right outside of Las Vegas. With great prizes at stake, more than 150 runners representing 17 states, Japan, Mexico, Canada, and Costa Rica took part in the races. There were many top tier elite athletes competing - from XTERRA all-stars, a former USATF Masters Mountain Runner of the Year, and some Olympic Marathon Trial hopefuls.  A great pre-race press release was posted on the weekly XTERRA Trail Mix Newsletter; Las Vegas Trail Runs Fast Approaching. After a grueling race throughout the desert, I finished 12th (3rd Male 30-34). While this wasn't my desired finish, I was happy with it after enduring knee injuries throughout winter training. I’m anxiously looking forward to this year’s XTERRA Trail Running season, and many great things are to come.

On the podium for the 30-34 age group, along with the overall winners. Me, fellow XTERRA Ambassador Rachel Cieslewicz (Utah), Jeffrey Moreland (NV), Tracy Joslin (VT) and Fujio Miyachi (Japan)
Lake Las Vegas

On Sunday, I helped with the videography of the XTERRA West Off-Road Triathlon Championship. This was another great event, and I had a blast running all around the desert in a 4x4 Pathfinder, covering great athletes such as Conrad and Mel.
The start of the XTERRA West Championship Off-Road Triathlon

Following the XTERRA West Championship, I headed out to Red Rock Canyon for some adventure. After hearing so many great things about the natural beauty of this national park, I couldn't wait to see if for myself. 
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Red Rock Canyon

I arrived at the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area a little after noon, and made my first stop at the visitor center to pick-up a map and obtain some information on the park. I decided to fast-pack the Grand Circle Loop, and try out some additional trails.  The Grand Circle Adventure is an 11.37 mile trail that starts at the visitor center and circles around the entire canyon. Over four miles of it goes through the desert, then circles around rugged White Rock Mountain, where big horn sheep, mule deer, and mountain lions roam, then comes down the canyon along the Calico overlooks.  It was an absolutely beautiful experience, and I definitely had my work cut out for me after such a grueling race, and then also running around the desert for hours while doing videography, only hours earlier.  During my adventure, I explored some unmarked trails that added several miles to my trip, and near the end, I started to experience some dehydration issues, but luckily was able to hitch a ride back to my car with some great locals, who also provided me we some additional water, which I was completely out of. Thanks again if you’re reading this!
Red Rock Canyon - Calico


Red Rock Canyon Video
Grand Circle Trail Loop - White Rock Mountain


Later in the evening, I went out partying and exploring “Sin City” with the group from USA Hostel, where I was staying. We had a fun group, with people from Europe, Australia, and throughout the United States. Our night was wild, from hitting up roof-top clubs through VIP admittance, spending time at numerous casinos and bars, such as The Mirage, New York, NY, The Cosmo, Sapphire (World’s Largest Strip Club), and more.  Luckily, I only came home sunburned, and not broke.
For anyone looking for a great adventure and loads of fun, I highly recommend the XTERRA West Championship and Lake Las Vegas Trail Runs. For more information on XTERRA Off-Road adventures, visit their site at XTERRAPlanet.com Hope to see you there next year!

Posted By:Richard Burgunder On 22 Apr 2011 AT 21:37 | 0 COMMENTS
External Url:http://richardburgunder.blogspot.com/2011/04/xterra-west-championship-trail-run-21km.html
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Pennsylvania, United States

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Team Elite Running, Athletes/Active Lifestyle

ABOUT ME

I’m a professional adventure and extreme sports athlete focusing on the XTERRA Trail Runni…MORE

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