XTERRA Moves From South Maui to Kapalua

By Wendy Osher

XTERRA file photo by Wendy Osher.

The 2011 XTERRA World Championship makes a venue change this year, moving from the volcanic vistas of South Maui to the verdant terrain of the Kapalua Resort. The new locale is situated along the northwest coast in the backyard of the 22,000-acre Maui Land & Pineapple Company property.

The world’s premier off-road triathlon event will utilize the Village Walking Trails at the old Village Golf Course for the running and biking portions of the event.  The swimming leg of the race takes place at D.T. Fleming Beach located just north of The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua resort.

The brand new course boasts equally grueling conditions with a 1.5-kilometer (1 mile) roughwater swim, followed by a 29.5-kilometer (18.3 mile) mountain bike on the lower slopes of the West Maui Mountains, and a 9.8-kilometer (6.1-mile) trail run.

The 16th Annual XTERRA World Championship filed includes a capacity field of 650 athletes from 28 countries and 42 US states including professionals and amateurs.

XTERRA World Championship Kapalua course map, courtesy XTERRA.

The championship race takes place at 9 a.m. on Sunday, October 23, 2011.

Event organizers say the first place athlete is expected to finish at approximately 11:30 a.m.

The spectator area will be along Fleming Beach and the Transition Area/Finish Line on the poolside lawn at The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua.

Event parking is at the ball field behind the preschool at Kapalua.

Leading up to the Championship event, is a series of amateur events on Saturday, October 22, including: Duke’s Beach House XTERRA 10K, the Hula Grill XTERRA 5K, and the Kimo’s Keiki K for kids ten and under.  The 10K and 5K races are open to all, and benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Maui County.