A Decade of XTERRA New Jersey: Building Outdoor Community Through Stokes State Forest

“Northwest New Jersey feels like a mountain retreat tucked inside the Northeast corridor. It is relaxed, outdoors first, and unpretentious. Meals are hearty, conversations are easy, and nobody seems in a hurry.”

Ten years in, XTERRA New Jersey moved to Stokes State Forest. Race Director David Schwartz helped bring the event into a venue where the whole weekend could stretch out. Trail runs, mountain bike races, triathlon, duathlon, families, friends, and supporters all had a place in it.

Linda Matheson has seen it in her own family: “My younger kids raced with me when they were younger. They trail run and mountain bike because they’ve seen their mom do it. I have seven kids, and my two oldest grandchildren are five and eight. They’re mountain biking now, too.”

People show up for the challenge, bring their families, meet others, and keep coming back. This is how these weekends keep growing.

Matheson continues, “When you’re out there on the trails, whether you’re training or racing, you have to be in the moment because you can’t be anywhere else. And reach out to people, whether it’s someone like me, the race directors, or even the pros. They’re approachable, they give good advice, and they’re willing to help. That’s how you become part of it.”

XTERRA thanks David Schwartz, athletes like Linda Matheson, the volunteers, park staff, and the off-road community who helped make the April 25-26 XTERRA New Jersey weekend possible at Stokes State Forest.