For Immediate Release

Record Number of Championships Awarded for 2003

In 2003 ultra, trail, and mountain runners have the broadest opportunity to run USATF national championship and selection races in the history of USATF’s championship program.  To offer this expansive slate of races, the USATF Mountain/ Ultra/Trail Running Council selected the first-ever USATF National Mountain Running Championship to be staged in Vail, Colorado on July 6 with the 25th Vail Hill Climb.  Three mountain selection races and four ultra championships at various distances on both trails and roads were also selected as championships in 2003. 

 At the annual USATF convention in Kansas City, Missouri on December 6, MUT selected events that each demonstrate championship quality. These events include men’s and women’s open and masters championships and mountain team selection races that span the nation from Massachusetts to Alaska.  The slate includes a Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team selection race in Girdwood, Alaska on August 9 on the same course that will host the World Mountain Running Trophy in September.

 Selection for the Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team

The first U.S. male and. female finishers at each of the three selection races will receive an automatic berth on the 2003 Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team, and the first male USATF member at the USATF National Mountain Running Championship will also receive an automatic berth.  The remaining members of the team, three men and two women, will be selected by the MUT Council based on results at World Trophy events, national and international racing experience with the heaviest weight placed on finishes in selection races.

 Benefits of Running in a Championship

When you participate in a USATF ultra championship race and win overall or in one of the 5-year masters age groups, you win the title of USATF national champion, master's national champion, or age-group national champion.  As a winner, you receive a USATF national championship award.  In addition, team competition is offered at a national championship race, so your running club can vie for the title of national champion team.  Many championship races offer prize money and the opportunity to run with the best ultrarunners in the country.

 To participate in the USATF championships at these races, runners must be a current member of USATF.  The approximately $20 annual membership can be obtained through local USATF Associations or at www.usatf.org.

 Become a National Championship in 2004

To host a championship in 2004, submit a bid form by July 1, 2003 or by November 1, 2003.  Early selection allows time to advertise a race as a USATF championship to attract runners and sponsors. The bid form and other information are available on the MUT championship web page or from MUT Championship Coordinator Janice Anderson at 770-794-9537 (h) or 770-433-8211 ext 17654 (w) or Janice_Anderson@HomeDepot.com.

Congratulations to 2003 Championships & Selection Races!

2003 MUT Championship and Selection Races