Rom Reigns in Costa Rica

Ten years ago at the age of 22 Rom Akerson won the overall amateur XTERRA World Championship title.

He turned pro soon after and has since put together a stellar triathlon racing career.

Last season was one of his finest, highlighted by an 8th place finish at XTERRA Worlds and a huge home-country win at the XTERRA Costa Rica Championship over eventual world champ Josiah Middaugh.

In just three short weeks, on March 20th in Playa Reserva Conchal, Akerson will have the chance to defend that title at XTERRA Costa Rica in a race that will kick-off the XTERRA Pan America Tour.

“I am super excited to try to defend the title,” said Akerson. “I like to think of myself as one of the best XTERRA racers, and train as if I was one. I have raced off-road events my whole life so XTERRA just kind of falls into my place.”

Akerson added that Costa Rica fits right in with XTERRA as well.

“Costa Rica is an amazing place and it’s my home country, so I think it is a perfect place to have an XTERRA. It really is a beautiful country. We have nice beaches, great weather, and amazing people. Plus, we believe in “Pura Vida” which means means pure life. XTERRA’s motto is “Live More” which has about the same idea.”

Beyond defending his title in Costa Rica, Akerson plans on making a run for the inaugural XTERRA Pan American Tour title as well.

“I also want to race at XTERRA Mexico, XTERRA Beaver Creek, XTERRA Dominican Republic, and then the final in Ogden,” said Akerson. “I think the new Pan Am Tour is a great idea and am looking forward to racing the events and challenging all the other XTERRA pros from the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.”

To win at XTERRA Akerson says “you have to be tuff to be competitive, not just fast.”

“I wish all of the XTERRA racers safe training and I think this is going to be a great year, the field is super strong.”

Discover Costa Rica for yourself, visit costaricaxterra.com.

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