The City of Purcell celebrated a major milestone last weekend when approximately 100 mountain bike racers from across the state converged for the inaugural event at the brand-new Purcell Lake Mountain Bike Trails.

OKXC Series racers of all skill levels — from beginners to seasoned competitors — took on the challenging and scenic trail system, which organizers say is perfectly suited for hosting competitive race events.

“This was our first mountain bike race here, and it was a huge success,” said event organizer Scott McCown. “The trails performed beautifully, and the turnout exceeded our expectations.”

OKXC Series officials noted that the trail system’s design makes it an ideal venue for future races. Plans are already underway to host additional events throughout the summer of 2026 and beyond as part of one of the state’s premier mountain bike race courses.

“Great race Scott! Loved the fast flow course, really well marked and put together. City of Purcell was good to us as well. We came up the day before from Tulsa and we'll be back,” said Tulsa competitor Elizabeth Chittenden.

The successful debut was made possible through close coordination with the City of Purcell Parks and Recreation Department, the Purcell Fire and Police departments and dozens of dedicated volunteers.

Mayor’s office representatives joined racers and spectators at the finish line to congratulate participants and thank everyone involved.

Special recognition went to Scott McCown for his tireless work in bringing the high-profile race series to Purcell.

With glowing reviews from racers and strong community support, Purcell’s new mountain bike trails are poised to become a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts across the region.

More race dates for summer 2026 are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.