Last Updated April 19, 2024
An XTERRA Trail Run Series Event, XTERRA New Jersey is set in the majestic Wawayanda State Park, just 50 miles from New York City, and comprised of 34,350 acres, 40-plus miles of trails, and a crystal clear lake, providing the ideal setting for an XTERRA off-road event. The race is organized in partnerships with Ready Set Go Adventures, and Strambecco rates the event as one of the Best Trail Running Races and Events in the Mid-Atlantic region. Below you will find information on course details, lodging, other outdoor activities to do while in town for XTERRA New Jersey.
Event & Course Info
The full XTERRA New Jersey event comprises full and sprint Triathlon races, Duathlon, Aquabike, gravel races, and trail events. The Marathon and Half Marathon trail runs are held on a rolling 13-mile loop within Wawayanda State Park. The Half Marathon loop (which will be run 2x for the Marathon) starts with the Gravel loop that will be featured in Sunday’s Multisport events, and then feeds directly into the 10K loop. The 10K loop will run along portions of majestic Wawayanda Lake for absolutely spectacular views. The course is rolling hills and the first 3 miles of the 10K are packed dirt with some rocks and roots before heading into 2.2 miles of rocky goodness with some more technical trails and then finishing on fire road and lakeside sand. XTERRA New Jersey Marathon and Half Marathon Trail Run participants will compete for 56 qualifying XTERRA Trail Run World Championship spots.
Area Accommodations & Things to do
XTERRA New Jersey is set in the stunning Wawayanda State Park, renowned as one of the most picturesque parks in the Northeast. Participants frequently express their astonishment at finding such a magnificent park just 50 miles from New York City. This convenient location makes it easy for racers to bring along family and friends for the weekend. There are plenty of accommodation options available, including on-site camping for $20/tent, hotels, and AirBnB rentals nearby in Vernon, NJ and Warwick, NY. Lodging options such as the Inn at Stony Creek, Pioneer Farm, and Chateau Hathorn are great for a quaint experience, while those traveling with a group or that enjoy cooking might prefer one of the many peaceful retreats and mountain getaways available in the area.
Dining
The area boasts a vibrant culinary scene that reflects its rich agricultural roots and artistic flair. It offers a diverse array of dining options, from cozy farm-to-table restaurants and gourmet bistros to international cuisine, all set in charming, historic settings. Local favorites include Pennings Farm Market, Fannie’s, Conscious Fork, The Grange, and Bellvale Farms Creamery for a post-race treat.
Outdoor Activities
For outdoor enthusiasts, Vernon, New Jersey and the surrounding area serves as a gateway to a variety of thrilling activities perfect for springtime. Located in the picturesque Sussex County, this town offers more than just beautiful scenery; it’s a hub for adventure seekers. Vernon is home to a section of the famous Appalachian Trail, providing an excellent opportunity for hiking enthusiasts to explore the rugged landscapes of New Jersey. The trail in this area features rolling hills, dense forests, and the scenic view from the Stairway to Heaven Overlook. This challenging hike culminates at Pinwheel Vista, where hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the Vernon Valley, Pochuck Mountain, and the distant Catskill Mountains.
Mountain Creek offers an extensive network of trails tailored for mountain biking enthusiasts. The park transforms its ski slopes into a comprehensive mountain biking terrain during the warmer months. With trails designed for various skill levels, riders can enjoy everything from gentle banked turns to challenging rock gardens and drop-offs. The resort’s high-speed open-air gondola means you can maximize your time on the trails without the fatigue of uphill pedaling, making it ideal for a day trip filled with adrenaline and exploration.
For those who prefer a quieter yet equally engaging outdoor activity, fishing at Wawayanda Lake is a must. This serene lake, nestled within Wawayanda State Park, is stocked with trout by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, making it a prime spot for fishing. Besides trout, anglers might also catch bass and perch. The lake’s calm waters and surrounding nature not only provide a peaceful fishing experience but also offer an idyllic setting for kayaking and canoeing, making it perfect for a tranquil day in the great outdoors.
Related Events
The XTERRA Trail Run World Series is an inclusive series that invites all trail enthusiasts to join the XTERRA community as you connect, explore, and discover new and existing trails in idyllic running terrains worldwide. Designed to mix community and adventure, the series is open to all runners, from amateur to elite, individuals, and pairs, with over 30 races in 20+ countries across Europe, the Americas, and the Asia-Pacific region. Compete individually, regionally, or globally in the XTERRA Trail Run rankings, or push to the front of the pack in your age group to qualify for a place on the starting line at the annual and invite-only XTERRA Trail Run World Championship. The XTERRA Trail Run World Series includes both half-marathon (15-34km) and full-marathon (35km+) races, with individual and team (duo) categories available. XNJ Trail Runs are XTERRA Trail Run World Series events with 232 qualifying slots for the Xtrerra Trail World Championships held Sept /Oct at the Sugarloaf Resort in Maine. Strambecco profiles several of the US events:
-
- McDowell Mountain Trail Run, takes place at McDowell Mountain Regional Park in Maricopa County, AZ and is a paradise for a trail runner. The ultimate challenge is a 43k (26.7 miles) marathon. The 24k features a gradual climb full of cholla forests and fields of beaver tail cactus and offers athletes looking for a challenge. Rounding out the events are 10k and 6k options. Our team at Strambecco rates these as best trail running events in the Southwest.
- Xterra Black Canyon Trail in Rock Springs, Arizona, stands as an exhilarating stop in the XTERRA run series, promising an adventure-filled experience for trail running aficionados. the race is also a qualifying event for the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship in Maine, as part of the 2024 XTERRA Trail Run World Series. Strambecco rates the event as one of the best trail events in the Southwest.
- Xterra Oak Mountain is a premier event on the XTERRA Trail Run World Series calendar. Oak Mountain, Alabama, hosts the XTERRA Americas Trail Run Championships, welcoming a high-quality field of runners from Canada to Chile and beyond.
- Xterra New Jersey is set in the majestic Wawayanda State Park, just 50 miles from New York City, and comprised of 34,350 acres, 40-plus miles of trails, and a crystal clear lake, providing the ideal setting for an XTERRA off-road event. Strambecco rates the event as one of the Best Trail Events in the Mid-Atlantic region.
- Sugarloaf Mountain in Maine provides a spectacular backdrop for the pinnacle event of the XTERRA Trail Run World Series, the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship. This event is more than a race; it’s the culmination of the XTERRA Trail Run World Series from 2022 and 2023, offering athletes worldwide the chance to claim a share of the $10,000 prize purse. A weekend-long trail running festival will see top elite and amateur runners compete for crowns in full and half marathon distances, with four additional trail run options. This is one of the Best Road Cycling Events in New England.
The event is joint-produced by Ready Set Go Adventures, a regional event producer dedicated to creating fantastic race experiences spanning gravel, MTB, trail running, and triathlons including Jersey Gravel Grinder, the NY Gravel Grinder (permits pending), the Macedonia Gravel Grinder and the Jersey Gravel Grinder Deux. Strambecco considers many of these events to be the Best Gravel Events in the Mid-Atlantic and some of the Best Cycling Races and Events in New Jersey. The XTERRA New Jersey trail run is also part of the Way Over Yonder Trail Run Series, which includes the April Jungle Escape Runs and June Transcend Trail Runs.
For multi-sport endurance athletes looking for other events in the state of New Jersey and broader Mid-Atlantic region, be sure to check out our full list of Strambecco rated Best road cycling race events in the Mid-Atlantic, Best Gravel Events in the Mid-Atlantic and the Best mountain biking race events in the Mid-Atlantic.
