Judging by who is competing in these (or who is NOT), XTERRA seems to be a bit farther out on the fringe, where as IM is moving more to center. IronMan courses are looking more and more like marathon courses, in terms of who is on them. XTERRA not nearly as much. XTERRA is like what cross is to road bike racing; not as well known, but respected by those that know.
Another view on this?
I have the utmost respect for not only the XTERRA pros, but also the top AGers. More than that, I have TONS of respect for those who come to XTERRA and give it there all, period! I love riding XTERRA, I think mostly because there seems to be different skill set involved that appeals to me.
I have a tough time with the really LONG training days, and enjoy the shorter, quicker paces that XTERRA caters to more than IM.
Once all is said and done, they are both difficult, just in VERY different ways. XTERRA probably won’t ever be as popular because it’s so hard to watch. At least with IM a guy on a motocycle can follow the leaders and film them. It’d be tough (other than the XTERRA WC’s where it seems there is very little singletrack) for a camera to follow the XTERRA leaders.
I did the old Half Moon Bay Xterra a few years ago and it was a blast. I would love to do more of them but for some reason there just isn’t much to choose from in NorCal. The one in Incline is a short one unless you qualify for nationals. Seems like the Bay Area would be a hotbed for one. I am guessing you are from Marin…must be some place to hold one down there incorporating the Hoo Kee E Koo (sp?)
Big Blue Adventures pouts one on in June in Tahoe City. Lots o’ fun (I won a beer glass).