Spring Duathlons

[Maria David]

I will use this thread to mention any spring duathlons.

I would recommend duathlons to anyone who would like to do multisports, though is not sure about their swimming. If you could get round to doing a duathlon I would recommend all of these races. (Mentioned below).

BTA licences - if you are doing more than 4 triathlons or duathlons this year, it would work out cheaper to obtain a BTA licence (which will thus make you a bta member) - this gives you insurance during the race, points in the national ranking series, a chance to get silverware in national champs races and also the chance to try and qualify for any of the world age group championships. You also get their quarterly magazine, and would be entitled to reductions on various special offers during the year.


1. The first one is Steyning duathlon @ Steyning village (nr Shoreham by sea) on Easter Monday (28th March).
Distances are 5k run 30k bike 3k run.

This event is held in the village centre as part of their Easter Festival, so there are a number of other family fun events taking place on the same day - walking races, easter egg hunt etc.
The runs are circuits round the village centre so you get a lot of spectators in the bars and cafes out watching.
This race favours club cyclists since the runs are relatively short and the bike is rather lumpy.

Friendly event, usually good weather, afternoon start - I've done this twice before and have enjoyed it each time. Will be doing it this year too.

Details on

http://www.rawenergypursuits.co.uk/HTML ... athlon.htm


2. Swindon duathlon - 3rd April

Another good race. The course has changed, and will be in the Science Museum at Wroughton.
Distances are 10k run 40k bike 5k run

This will be on a closed traffic free circuit.
Also goody bag, prizes for age group winners, massage, barbecue, music
I plan to do this one.
Details on
http://www.triferris.com/swindon.html



3. Cambridge Duathon - 17th April

This isn't actually in Cambridge, but Bottisham, a village north of Cambridge.

Not a bad race. Flat course, though be careful of the wind. Good local race which attracts a strong field as it is part of the National duathlon rankings series and also a qualifier event for the World Age Group duathlon champs

More info on
http://www.cambridgetriathlonclub.co.uk/

Dave Lombari will be doing this one.

I would have done this had it not been for the small matter of running 26.2 miles round London that day !



4. Ashbourne Duathlon - Carsington Water, Peak District

Another favourite of mine. A little further a-field, though worth while once you're up there. Carsington water is a water sports/outdoor centre near Ashbourne, so it's got quite a few things going on apart from the duathlon, and is in a very pleasant setting.

Tough course, though not as hard as the Ballbuster.

12km run 40km bike 4km run

The first run and the bike are hilly, and the final run has a couple of lumps in it too. Very scenic though - prizes for age group winners, refreshments, bouncy castle (for the kids I imagine !) cafe, gift shop.
Whether I do this will depend on how I'm feeling after the London marathon.

http://www.punishingevents.com/id34.htm


There are other events going on around the south east so will mention them as I find out.
If you are doing a race, let others know as there may be some who would like to join in too.