|
XTERRA started in 1996 in Maui as an extreme triathlon event. The typical XTERRA is
a multi-sport, 1.5K Swim, 30K Mountain Bike and 11K Trail Run. XTERRA is now the
fastest-growing multi-sport event in the world. In 2001 the numerous events exposed
more than 60,000 athletes to the XTERRA experience.
The XTERRA event series features a three-tier structure, incorporating grass roots events
as a base for a national series of four Championship weekends. All events culminate in
the Nissan Xterra USA Championship at Lake Tahoe, where XTERRA’s USA national
champions are crowned.
In 2001, the U.S. series and events in four foreign countries, were qualifiers for the sixth
annual Nissan Xterra World Championship, which attracted a sold-out field from around
the globe including, Great Britain, Australia, The Czech Republic, Holland, Japan, and
Germany. The event was televised on CBS Sports Spectacular, on international
syndication and was hosted in a live webcast. In addition 3 activities associated with the
XTERRA event aired on Outdoor Life Network which is a 24 hour advertiser supported
network devoted exclusively to adventure and the outdoor lifestyle. Targeted to men and
women ages 18-49, their programming revolves around 4 themes – outdoor adventure,
action sports, animals and outdoors, and field and stream.
In 2002, 42 events were held with an estimated 140,000,000 media impressions and
nearly 70,000 participants and competitors. The 6th annual XTERRA World
Championship remains the ultimate challenge with 400 of the sport’s best athletes vying
for the coveted title and prize purse in Maui, Hawaii on October 27, 2002.
In 2003, 43 events will be held with a projected 200,000,000 media impressions and
80,000 participants and competitors.
|
|
Today XTERRA encompasses a broad range of products, people, attitudes and networks.
XTERRA is global community of off-road athletes who have turned an event into a
lifestyle shared by families, friends, athletes, non-athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
Nissan Motor Corporation adopted the race’s name for their new sport utility vehicle, and
is as a major sponsor. Watchmaker Freestyle, created a rugged timepiece branded with
the big “X” and designed for multi-sport training. An entire line of sportswear is
dedicated to the XTERRA athlete. XTERRA GEAR carries everything from bike jerseys,
bike shorts and gloves to blankets, sunglasses and energy bars.
Some of the current sponsors also include Yahoo, Paul Mitchell, Maui Visitors Bureau,
Freestyle, Hawaiian Airlines, Outrigger Hotel, Saucony, Sugoi and others.
XTERRA is owned by Team Unlimited, a lifestyle sports marketing firm, based in
Honolulu, HI. Since it's inception in 1990, TEAM has produced more than 100 events
and 150 television shows.
|
