The 24-year-old has been running since high school, but just recently he had an itch for something more challenging. He had a need for something more extreme. He wanted to compete in something different.

Tired of flat, straight road races, Johnson took on the challenge of the Xterra 2008 Utah Trail Run Series at the Snowbird 8K, one of four Utah Xterra races, where runners of all ages compete on non-traditional trails that take runners up and down steep hills, through mud, rocks and streams.

Its not a typical run, which is what Johnson and other Utahns enjoy about it.

"Its not as monotonous as running on the road," Johnson said. "The thing that makes people do this is the challenge."

A challenge that some might find rather extreme. A challenge in which more and more Utah residents are developing an interest.

The Xterra race is only one of more than 30 extreme-running challenges in Utah.

Others include the Wasatch Back Relay, a race that began in 2004 in which 12-person teams participate in an overnight relay. The 170-mile race starts in Logan and ends in Park City.

The Xterra race is one of four Xterra competitions held in Utah. Runners collect points that could earn them a trip to the regional and national championships.

John and Kristin Wojciechowski have been the local organizers for the races since 2004. Both are active in the outdoors and running. They opened a running shop in Layton called Striders, where they sell running gear and promote running events.

John Wojciechowski said he thinks runners' desire to participate in extreme running events are based on natural instincts.

"It's human nature to test your physicality," Wojciechowski said. "This is a good way to mix it up."

Every day, the Wojciechowskis have adventurers young and old walk into their store looking for a race. Some are middle-aged parents trying to get their former running lives back. Others are bored, wanting to try something new, something out of the ordinary.

"It kind of gives you a real sense of pride that you're doing something, accomplishing something that not a lot of people can do." John Wojciechowski said.

And so they do, whether it's a non-traditional - i.e. off-road - marathon or triathlon, freestyle motocross, extreme skiing or skateboarding.

Besides hosting Xterra races, Utah is also home to one of the four Dew Tour stops. Similar to ESPN's X-Games, the Dew Tour is where professional and non-professional skaters, motocrossers and others come together and participate in popular alternative sporting events. In 2004, Utah was also host to the Red Bull Rampage, where bikers take the course and perform daredevil stunts.

Mike Caldwell, board member of the Greater Ogden Athletics Legacy, said he's seen an increase in interest since the 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City.

He said people have become more aware of their surroundings and have taken advantage of the non-traditional sports in Utah.

"I think its been a hidden secret for a long time," Caldwell said. "In a lot of places in the country, you don't have the ability to do that. I think the Olympics pulled the veil."

Rapidly growing sports like non-traditional marathons, triathlons and motor sports seemed to appeal to younger audience members, due to the intensity of the challenge.

Jeff Robbins, president and CEO of the Utah Sports Commission, said that demographic was something the state of Utah has zeroed in on.

With energy drink sponsors like Red Bull, Monster and Mountain Dew geared toward a young market, Robbins said it was easy to see that Utah would become a home to extreme sports because of the state's youthful population. In terms of average age, Utah is the youngest state in the nation.

"We seem to look at this as a fit for Utah, because we have such a great topography and because we have great natural aspects," Robbins said. "It's a funny thing. They don't like to be cookie-cuttered. A lot of times, for people who do that stuff, its a lot more challenging then doing something that's structured."

People like Johnson, who can't get enough of the 8 a.m. high-elevation runs, mud-covering trails and the often unmarked courses.

sredhouse@sltrib.com

On the rise

A brief look at Utah's extreme sports scene:

RUNNING:

With races like the Wasatch Back and Xterra trail series, Utah's non-traditional running routes are gaining in popularity. The Wasatch Back is a 24-hour relay race across the mountain ranges east of Salt Lake City, while the Xterra series sends runners up and down some of the area's steepest slopes and valleys.

DEW TOUR

Its first year in 2007 was a success, with large crowds and national exposure on NBC. The Dew Tour is comparable to X-Games with competitions in skateboarding and bike tricks.

POPULARITY RISING?

Alternative sports are popular in Utah in part because of the state's large youth population, which big companies hope to target. Sponsors like Red Bull, Monster and Mountain Dew are behind the events that appeal to a young crowd.