NXN Course Challenging

Map of the three loop course.  Map courtesy of Nike

Wayzata's Eric Jahn, himself still an active runner with plenty of cross country races under his belt, did some recon on the NXN course this year and what he found was an "old school" cross country course that is a "thinking man's"(or woman's) circuit.  Jahn walked the course on Wednesday and described it as quite scenic on an "old, old golf course with towering Douglas Firs."  It's going to be "very challenging" both mentally and physically for the runners, Jahn added.

While it doesn't have as many turns as the Griak course.  It is "up and down" with two "fairly abrupt"(short and steep) hills within a minute of the finish, said Jahn.  There's also longer, gradual uphills near the 3K mark of the race.  Rain is projected for Friday, but it shouldn't have the same impact as the very wet conditions two years ago that favored "mudders."

All the Minnesota teams will be arriving on Thursday.  Wayzata's boy's and girl's teams, Willmar's girls, and Edina's boys will all be on the same flight.  Nick Wareham and Joe Klecker will be individual contestants, while Bethany and Megan Hasz will be in the girls' race.

Edina team on their way to Portland. Photo by Lance Elliott