Why is there an XYZ Trail Run Series? In 2005 a group of fanatical trail running race directors put their heads together while running the dunes on New Year's Day and asked the question, "Why not?".

And so the XYZ Trail Run Series was born!

For 2009 there will be twelve trail races which include trail, dune and cross country courses in both northwest Indiana and southwest Michigan (remember Michigan is always one hour ahead on eastern time). Consider the XYZ Trail Run Series to be the "wild child sister" to the Gold Cup. It is not tame, it breaks the rules of acceptable course content (to include mud, snow, water crossings, ice, deer flies, dunes, hills, logs, heat and cold), has several "no frills" races where it's all about the course and competition (and not much else except trail runner camaraderie) and may really leave you sore, tired, muddy, wet, stinking but still craving your next XYZ race fix!

The XYZ series is meant for the trail loving runner who has grown tired of the roads and pavement and needs an additional challenge in his or her life. It is not meant for the "masses" and might not even be understood or presentable to the general public.