Bend, Oregon, which was recently voted "America's Best Trail Running Town" by the editors of Outside Magazine, has been named the host destination for the 2008 and 2009 XTERRA Trail Running National Championships. The 2008 event is set for Saturday, September 27.

The XTERRA Trail Running National Championship's main event is an Xduro (21K / 13.1 mile) off-road half-marathon, but the day- long running celebration will also feature races of 10K and 5K distances, a kids K, charity walk, festival / expo center for participants and spectators and live entertainment.

While the race field will include competitors who have qualified for Nationals at other events, participation in all races - including the XTERRA Trail Running National Championship, is open to the general public.

"The U.S. Trail Run Series is the fastest-growing segment of XTERRA, with more than 50 races in 15 states on the calendar for 2008," said Tom Kiely, CEO of TEAM Unlimited, owner of XTERRA. "The Trail Running National Championship is the culmination of that series, and we think Bend is the ultimate adventure destination for our biggest race of the year."

The Bend Visitor & Convention Bureau, in partnership with the Oregon Sports Authority, were the natural choice to host Nationals due to its variety of terrain, mild fall climate, running-friendly trails and the enthusiasm, interest and support of the local community.

"Bend has received national and international recognition as a trail running mecca," said Doug LaPlaca, President and CEO of the Bend Visitor & Convention Bureau. "The next logical step for us is to identify and pursue opportunities to convert that recognition into increased tourism revenue, and the XTERRA Trail Running National Championship is a perfect fit."

In the coming months, race organizers and the Bend VCB will work with local public and private groups including the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bend Metro Parks & Recreation, and private landowners and developers to identify a race venue and begin any necessary permit / approval processes.

"When we launched our Central Oregon Chapter in October, this was exactly the type of event we had in mind for the region," said Drew Mahalic, CEO of the Oregon Sports Authority. "Bend's reputation as an outdoor recreation destination will be a huge asset as we plan this event, and look to secure other, similar events of national prominence in the future."