OMSP to host XTERRA race weekend

This month, runners and racers looking for a trail challenge will be able to participate in two XTERRA events at Oak Mountain State Park — all in one weekend.

The first, an off-road triathlon, will be May 19 starting at 8 a.m. and will offer three distances: the XTERRA Championship, with a 1.5K swim, a 30K mountain bike and a 10K trail run; the XTERRA Sprint, with a 750 meter swim, a 13K mountain bike and a 10K trail run; and the XTERRA Xticer, an introductory race with a 200-meter swim, a 10K mountain bike and a 2K trail run.

The evening before, on May 18 at 4 p.m., competitors will be able to participate in XTERRA University, which gives them the chance to learn from off-road multisport athletes. The free sessions will look to improve swimming, biking and trail techniques with some specifics to the course at Oak Mountain.

Stylists with Paul Mitchell also will be offering haircuts to guests, starting at 9 a.m. on race day, in exchange for a $15 donation. Proceeds from the Cut-a-Thon will go to the Challenge Athletes Foundation.

A trail run offering a 20K (half marathon), 10K and 5K race will take place the following day, May 20. All age group winners of the 20K race will earn a free entry for the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship in Hawaii in December. The Paul Mitchell Cut-a-Thon will also take place starting at 9 a.m. on May 20.

For more information regarding the race weekend, or to register for one of the races, go to xterraplanet.com/event/oak-mountain.