Off Track Events: The Eve of the XCX

XCX Cross Country Xtreme
November 17, 2007
9 am - Midway Sandbar

The XCX is one rough, tough and outrageous cross country race. Unlike typical road races that take runners along city streets and trails, the XCX follows the true cross country spirit of taking runners through fields, up and down hills, and through forest trails. However, the XCX takes cross country running to a new level by incorporating obstacle courses, creek crossings, rope climbs and other challenges with the ultimate goal of creating the most extreme and fun cross country race in Missouri.

Now in its 4th event, the XCX has become a successful fundraiser for Columbia Second Chance. Course highlights at the 2006 XCX included running through the woods, crawling through wet creek beds, climbing steep, muddy hills, and jumping a row of hay bales. Competitive high school and college cross country runners raced the course with amazing speed, while runners and joggers of all ages and abilities shared the experience. Many participants even raced in costume. The Incredibles battled the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, as Sponge Bob Squarepants and the One Eyed Purple People Eater ran on. After completing the 4 mile course, participants were treated to a bonfire. At the awards' ceremony, speed and creativity were rewarded. Awards were given for fastest in each age group, and top ten prizes were given to the participants with the best costumes. With 130 participants, last year's XCX was a great success.

Here we are one year later. Months of preparation have gone into making this year's event an even bigger success. The stakes have been raised. The course will feature obstacles, props, mud holes, music, and to top it off, a haunted forest. Hopefully, with time the number of participants will skyrocket, propelling the XCX into cult status as the most ridiculous and difficult cross country race (mile per mile) in the Midwest. Those who complete the course will have bragging rights until the next XCX event. Those who win the costume contest will have cult status for life. This event is going beyond crazy fun. It will be in a league of its own. I am challenging runners and hearty walkers alike to participate in this fun event. Spectators are encouraged to come observe!