14th annual XTERRA triathlon returns May 18-19 at OMSP

The 14th annual XTERRA Oak Mountain off-road triathlon and trail run returns to Oak Mountain State Park the weekend of May 18-19. The international event weekend will feature some of the best athletes from all over the world swimming, riding and running in Alabama’s largest state park. 

The main event, The XTERRA Championship, combines a 1.5K swim, 30K mountain bike and 10K trail run. For amateurs, there will be 51 spots in the XTERRA World Championship in Maui on Oct. 27. For elites, there will be $15,000 in prize money and points in the XTERRA Pan Am Pro Series. 

The second option, the XTERRA Sprint, will feature a 750-meter swim, 15K mountain bike and a 5K trail run, making it ideal for newcomers and those seeking a less-demanding experience.

The XTERRA Xticer is the third option and includes a 200-meter swim, 11K mountain bike and 2K trail run as an introduction into XTERRA. Entrants can also create a two or three-person relay team to conquer the sprint or full distance races. A 5K run/walk will take place, too.

Paul Mitchell stylists will be on-site giving professional haircuts for donations of $15 (or more). All of the proceeds will go to the Challenged Athletes Foundation, which helps physically challenged athletes reach their goals. 

Volunteers will be needed for registration, body-marking, food and drink prep for the recovery tent, handing out drinks on the course, assisting timers and more. They will receive an event T-shirt, a light breakfast, lunch, unlimited Gatorade and free entry into any of the trail runs on Sunday. To volunteer, email volunteer@xterraplanet.com.  

Registration for the event ranges between $40-$140. Visit xterraplanet.com/event/oak-mountain for information.