The XTERRA Arizona Trail Series may be winding down, but there is no doubt this season has been on fire. While the weather in the Phoenix area on race mornings has been cool and dry, there have been some sizzling performances on the trails.

Last weekend, Art DeGraw continued his dominance in the XTERRA Arizona Trail Run series with another win at the 2018 XTERRA White Tanks Trail Run. DeGraw averaged 6:09 minute miles in the 20k, securing the overall win by over seven minutes. Aila MacDonald  (pictured below) won the women’s field, finishing fourth overall and setting a new course record with a time of 1:34:14.

In the 8k race, Jorge Corona and Angel Tapia once again topped the field. Both finished the 8k in 28:33.  XTERRA Trail Run veteran Stephanie Borg took overall honors for the women with a time of 32:33.

On February 4th, the series continues at XTERRA McDowell Mountain. Located an easy drive from Tempe, the race will give runners a chance to tackle the 15-mile long course, which winds out Pemberton Trail and climbs up towards Dixie Mine.

“Don’t forget to check out the cholla forests and fields of beaver tail cacti,” advises race director Shannon Lindner, who began the XTERRA Arizona Trail Run Series out of a desire to share her favorite trails with others. All of the races are located near Phoenix and Tempe and take advantage of the amazing parks in the region.

“Phoenix is surrounded by parks and beautiful trails,” said Lindner. “And winter in Arizona is a great time to discover them. Although it’s often dark in the early mornings when runners get to the race, I have coffee and usually a big fire to warm up around. It’s really cozy.”

Additionally, all of the races feature both a long and a short course, making the XTERRA lifestyle accessible to runners of all levels.

The final race of the season on March 11th – XTERRA Black Canyon – is Lindner’s favorite. It takes place north of Phoenix in Black Canyon City. For more information on XTERRA McDowell Mountain and XTERRA Black Canyon, visit www.aztrailrace.com.

Photos courtesy of Action Media.

The post Two Races Left in XTERRA Arizona Trail Series appeared first on XTERRA.