Team VIRGINIA set to defend both POTOMAC XC CUPS on November 21st
Bethesda, MD— Last fall, winds and rain blew through the rolling hills of Smokey Glen Farm and spectators scattered. Team Virginia seemed to handle the elements a bit better than their Maryland counterparts. One race in particular stood out: the OPEN Girls competitors. No runner left the Battlefield that day. Such is now the lore of the Battle of the Potomac. “We had 40 mile per hour wind gusts and driving rain. I was amazed that all the girls stood their post waiting for the gun”, said Dave Watt, Executive Director of the American Running Association and co-founder of the XC Border War. XC BORDER WAR 4 will continue the new traditions that have grown from this unique team event pitting states separated by the Potomac River in cross country battles or races. This year’s event takes place one week after the public school state championships in Virginia and Maryland: November 21, 2009.
The 4th running of the “Battle of the Potomac” or its nickname, XC BORDER WAR 4, is sticking with the format and race site that has turned this post-season cross country event into a “must run” for many boys and girls in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, and West Virginia. All runners may register in either the SEEDED or OPEN 5K events. The SEEDED 5K is geared for the high caliber varsity runners while the OPEN race is intended for other varsity and JV runners. “We Top athletes will be invited to register into the SEEDED races and will receive front row slots on the starting line.
New element in 2009:
- West Virginia and the District of Columbia runners (residents) will compete for the Potomac Cups provided each entity fields at least 10 scoring runners in the Seeded races
- West Virginia had a strong showing in 2008 prompting this change
Details on the 2009 BATTLE XC 4 or XC BORDER WAR 4:
- $22 registration fee for individuals in any race*
- Online registration is open at: www.battlexc.com
- *Team or group registration = $20 per runner with minimum of 5 team members
- OPEN and SEEDED 5K races for high school boys and girls (4 total races)
- OPEN 2.5K (one loop) Middle School races: 6th, 7th and 8th grade boys and girls
- Top 5 finishers in the Girls’ and Boys’ SEEDED 5K races earn sponsored entry to race in the Nike Cross Nationals Southeast Championship on November 28, 2009 in Cary NC.
Amenities for all races:
- Barbecue chicken dinner (registered runners only)
- Singlet or race t-shirt
- Medals or awards to top 15 finishers in all races
- DJ and dancing post-race!
Race details and rules: Champion Chip timing for all runners by Runners High (www.runhigh.com). The course is a double loop 5K. There is one significant hill and the terrain is mostly cut grass. Runners may wear spikes. All registered runners must wear the VA or MD Battle of the Potomac t-shirt or singlet. USA Track & Field rules are in effect.
The Battle of the Potomac XC Championships is produced by the Bethesda, MD - based American Running Association (ARA). “We see the Battle of the Potomac XC Championship Meet as a perfect event to entice more kids into running. All event proceeds help produce this meet and our free youth walk-run training programs”, added Watt. ARA is a nonprofit organization founded in 1968 to promote healthy living and active lifestyles among all Americans. It is dedicated to supporting runners through education and specialized programs, as well as encouraging all individuals from youths to adults to run and be fit. For more information about the ARA or to learn more about the Walk and Run programs, visit www.americanrunning.org.
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