For all of you who have gone this route - I’m still not sure I understand the procedure completely. I’m getting somewhat conflicting reports from the Xterra website and how people actually qualified.
a) At large sign-up, which is too late now but is a direct way into the race
b) Race a few local events, accumulate points towards the national championship. Then race the national championship and and place high in the AG.
c) Race only a regional championship, and place high enough to qualify for Maui. For me this would mean either the east or west championships.
d) Is it possible to receive a slot through by only going to the local races, and placing high in the rankings? Or would one have to go the path through the national championship?
A, B & C are correct. There are no qualifying slots outside of national champs the the 4 US regional championships. You could do one of 15 or more national champs (Canada and Mexico on this continent) to give you another chance.