The right way to describe XTERRA Taiwan 2021?
A troublesome off-road triathlon? Enjoyable 5km or 10km path runs for newbies? Unbelievable 42km and 28km path programs for the courageous? An out of doors gear competition? A tropical trip? An superior occasion for nature lovers?
Let’s simply say it was the entire above and extra.
On the weekend of March 26-28, 2021, we gathered at Kenting, Pingtung County, a tropical paradise at Taiwan’s southern tip.
I signed up for the 42km path race and beneath are the highlights of an important weekend.
Pre-event information
The week earlier than the occasion, I started receiving race data, maps, reminders, and course terrain introduction movies through emails. All the things was bilingual, clear, and concise.
These had been indicators of a well-oiled race organizing machine.
Friday, March 27 – Race pick-up
Gear expo
I arrived on the most important venue late afternoon on Friday to choose up my bib and race swags. I used to be greeted by all kinds of sponsor cubicles starting from mountain bikes and tri-suits to vitamin and SUVs. Plenty of nice gears, and I had a beautiful time chatting with the sponsored athletes and booth-keepers.
Nice swags
The race shirt alone is well worth the ticket worth. The swag bag, made with repurposed denim fabric, is tremendous cool and environment-friendly as properly.
And lets not overlook everybody obtained the XTERRA x RUNIVORE Mighty Banana Protein Bar!!!!! ROARRR!!!!! Mightiest Meals, Actual Restoration !!!!!!! ( Purchase now : https://runivore.com/store/ )
Race temporary
There have been race briefs hosted by course administrators, coaches, and elite athletes. Getting detailed information of the races definitely places members comfy. I respect such thoughtfulness for participant security.
Saturday, March 28 – Off-road triathlon and duathlon (bike & run)
The primary occasion
Pre-COVID, XTERRA Taiwan was the host of the annual Asia-Pacific Championship, the primary XTERRA Championship race on the worldwide tour calendar. Though many worldwide athletes weren’t capable of take part this yr, native elites and greater than 200 members got here out in drive on a sunny Saturday.
The 1.5km swim kicked off at 7am from Xiaowan (means “little bay”), adopted by 23kms of extremely technical mountain biking. To complete issues off is a 12km course of scenic however murderous path run.
Excessive temperature and humidity added additional uncertainties to an already huge problem.
It’s not each day we get to see the perfect of the perfect triathletes battle in opposition to nature and one another in such an intimate setting. Actually unbelievable to see these superhumans up shut and private.
Outside feast
This yr, XTERRA had a complete new setup for the Triathlon award ceremony. They arrange an outside picnic with a scrumptious buffet unfold. Coconuts, sashimi, BBQ, recent salads, and free-flowing drinks.
It was a celebration stuffed with struggle tales, good firm, household, wholesome yumminess – every thing wanted to recuperate from a tough time out within the ocean and mountain.
You already know what made the picnic even higher. All F&B had been served in reusable utensils – true to their environmental-awareness motto of “We Play, We Shield”.
Sunday, March 29 – A path working fiesta
This yr, XTERRA Taiwan prolonged the course to incorporate a 42km class to go together with the classics – 28km, 10km and 5km races.
If I believed the day earlier than was scorching, Sunday shot as much as 30+ levels. Every week in the past, whole Taiwan was nonetheless comfortably within the teenagers and low twenties. It was fairly a shock to the physique.
The best mix of scenic, runnable and technical
The programs take us up the mountains and riverbanks of the Kenting Nationwide Park. Quite a lot of terrains saved us on our toes – single-track filth paths to stretch our legs. Steep climbs to check our lungs and minds. Quick downhills to indicate off our agility and technical expertise.
Unmatched volunteer/staff-to-participant ratio
Greater than ample water stations, volunteers at each intersection and doubtlessly difficult turns, course markings that made sense.
I didn’t hear a couple of single one that received misplaced or took a incorrect flip.
One thing for everybody
Many associates introduced their whole household. Mother and father ran the 5km with their little youngsters. Individuals who needed slightly extra problem took on the 10km. For extra skilled runners and elites, 28km and 42km catered to their wants to check their velocity and endurance.
Household environment
The pushbike competitors has change into a convention of XTERRA Taiwan. Have a look at these youngsters—cuteness overload.
Meals and beverage vans and a well-maintained pitch made the venue excellent for teenagers and relations to mingle whereas they await the return of their “heroes”.
Finisher giveaways
I’ve executed so many races that finisher presents don’t imply a lot anymore. However every thing was so properly designed that I used to be genuinely appreciative.
A cool-looking medal, hand-made and non-chemical, environment-friendly cleaning soap for post-race wash, a light-weight and classy tin cup for restoration inexperienced juice. Nothing extravagant however very considerate and sensible.
If you happen to missed out this yr, we strongly suggest that you just mark your calendar for 2022 as quickly because the dates are introduced.
XTERRA Taiwan in Kenting has RUNIVORE’s seal of approval.
Go to their web site to be taught extra about their upcoming occasions and nice gear.
