Athletes face off-road triathlon challenge

More than 150 athletes from nine different states will challenge each other — and Mother Nature — at Suttle Lake in the Third Annual Sisters High Cascades Off-Road Triathlon set for Sunday, August 21, at 9 a.m.

The race is part of the Nissan Xterra Points Series Races that are held around the country.

The event consists of a 1,000-meter swim, 17-mile mountain bike ride up and around surrounding hills and lakes and a six-mile trail run. There is still space available for individuals or two- or three-person relay teams. To register go to http://www.sistershighcascadesort.com.

The 2005 Nissan Xterra USA Championship Series (now in its fifth year) boasts 54 events in 31 states across the country. It’s the only series of its kind for age group multisport athletes, providing them with a bona-fide championship to compete for within their geographic region against other athletes the same age.

The first XTERRA race was held in 1996 with 123 competitors in Maui, Hawaii. There are now more than 10,000 competitors, ages 13-65, from all 50 states and more than 30 countries worldwide.

For more information visit http://www.xterraplanet.com.