What Is a Duathlon?
Published by My Mind is Racing
A duathlon is a multisport race in a run – bike – run format: you run, change into the bike leg, ride, then change back into your shoes for a closing run. There is no swim, which makes it a natural choice for cyclists and runners who would rather skip open water — and a common off-season race when the pool or lake is too cold.
Distances and format
Distances vary by event, but two formats dominate. A standard (sometimes called "classic") duathlon is roughly a 10 km run, a 40 km bike, and a 5 km closing run. A sprint duathlon shortens everything — often about a 5 km run, a 20 km bike, and a 2.5 km run — and is the usual entry point for a first-timer. Longer middle- and long-distance duathlons exist too, scaling the same run-bike-run shape up to half- and full-iron efforts. Always check the specific event page, since organizers set their own leg lengths.
The two transitions
Between the legs sit two transitions. T1 takes you from the opening run to the bike; T2 takes you from the bike back to the closing run. Both are timed and both count toward your finish, so a smooth, rehearsed changeover — helmet buckled before you touch the bike, shoes and race number laid out in order — saves time that is hard to claw back out on the course.
How a duathlon differs from a triathlon
The obvious difference is the missing swim: a triathlon is swim – bike – run, while a duathlon is run – bike – run. That single change shifts the demands. You open on fresh legs but then run twice, so run fitness and the ability to ride hard on already-tired legs matter more than in a triathlon. A duathlon also strips out the gear and water skills a swim requires, which is a big part of its appeal. If you want the other two-discipline combinations, see our guides to the aquabike (swim – bike) and the aquathlon (swim – run).
Cross duathlon (off-road)
A cross duathlon moves the format onto the dirt: a trail run, a mountain-bike leg, and a second trail run. Technical terrain, climbing, and bike handling become as important as raw fitness, and finishing times run slower than on a road course. If you prefer trails to pavement, a cross duathlon is the off-road answer to the standard run-bike-run.
Pacing the opening run
The classic duathlon mistake is racing the first run too hard. Because you start fresh, the early pace feels easy — but overcooking it spikes your heart rate and leaves your legs flooded heading onto the bike, which then wrecks the closing run. Treat the opening run as a controlled effort, settle into the bike, and save your sharpest running for the final leg, where places are won and lost.
Notable duathlons
These events span the duathlon family, from grassroots run-bike-run series to championship racing on road, trail, and snow. Distances and dates change year to year, so confirm the details on each event page.
- Powerman Alsdorf (Alsdorf, Germany) — a stop on the long-running Powerman duathlon series.
- POWERMAN Malaysia (Putrajaya, Malaysia)
- Europe Triathlon Duathlon Championships (Banyoles, Spain) — continental championship racing.
- World Triathlon Winter Duathlon Championships (Padola, Italy) — the winter variant, raced on snow with a cross-country ski leg in place of the bike.
- Wolfman Duathlon and Trail Race (Memphis, United States)
- Duathlon of Neuville Haut Poitou (Neuville-de-Poitou, France)
- TriFactor Triathlon & Duathlon Singapore (Singapore)
- Devon Duathlon Autumn (Torridge District, England)
Upcoming races
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Nov 27 – 28, 2026 at 3:00 PMSee full details
Gran Jaguar Triathlon: A Legendary Race Awaits!
Experience the thrill of racing through ancient Mayan ruins at the Gran Jaguar Triathlon!
This scenic, point-to-point course takes you on a 56-mile journey through the heart of the Mayan forest. Here's what awaits you:
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Epic Start: Begin your race in the former Mayan City of Tayazal.
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Challenge the Terrain: The course features two major hills and a few loops, testing your endurance amidst the magical Mayan landscape.
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Unforgettable Finish: Race alongside the awe-inspiring ruins of Tikal National Park, with cheering howler monkeys motivating you to the finish line.
More than just a race, the Gran Jaguar Triathlon offers a complete experience:
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Pre-Race Expo: Gear up and learn more about the race at the expo.
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Post-Race Celebration: Unwind and celebrate your accomplishment at the post-race festival, featuring music and fun.
Join the Legacy:
The Gran Jaguar Triathlon is a prestigious event, consistently ranked among the nation's top races. In 1986, legendary triathletes like Julie Moss, Scott Molina, Mark Allen, and Ken Glah graced the course, which back then had a limit of only 100 participants.
Don't miss your chance to be part of this epic race!
Spots are limited: Register early to secure your place in Gran Jaguar Triathlon with a participant limit of 125.
For more information and registration details, visit the Gran Jaguar Triathlon website www.guatetriclub.com and www.masdeporte.com.gt
Event details and schedule
Gran Jaguar Triathlon: Itinerary and Information
This document outlines the itinerary and key details for the Gran Jaguar Triathlon. Be sure to check the official websites for any updates or changes. https://www.guatetriclub.com/?page_id=140 And https://masdeporte.com.gt/gran-jaguar-70-3/
Schedule:
Friday:
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14:30 - 17:30: Athlete Registration and Packet Pickup (Hotel Maya Internacional)
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17:30 - 18:00: Event Briefing
Saturday:
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6:00 AM: Transition Area 1 Opens
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7:00 AM: Race Start for All Categories
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6:30 PM: Awards Ceremony (Maya Internacional Hotel)
Event Details:
Distances:
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70.3:
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Swim: 1.2 miles (1.9 km)
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Bike: 56 miles (90 km)
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Run: 13.1 miles (21 km)
Promotional:
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Swim: 0.6 miles (950 km)
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Bike: 40.4 miles (65 km)
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Run: 6.5 miles (10.5 km)
Swim:
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Both distances take place in Lake Petén Itzá.
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Start and finish at the beach of Hotel Maya Internacional.
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Triangular course with a water start.
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Buoys will mark the route.
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Average November and December water temperature: 77°F (25°C)
Bike:
- Bike
• Distance: 56 mi / 40.4 mi
• Route: From El Remate to Santa Ana and then to the Tikal-Belize highway junction
• 56 mi: Continues toward Santa Ana, then returns to headed Tikal-Flores junction
• 40.4 mi: From flores straight to Tikal National Park entrance
• Terrain: Hilly, includes climbs such as Paxcaman, Altamira, El Capulinar (600 yards), and El Caoba (0.5 mi, steep incline)
• Important: Keep right – route is open to traffic
Run:
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The run course is 99% asphalt and 1% wide dirt roads within the Mayan jungle.
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Unique route with stunning scenery and wildlife encounters.
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Runners will pass by Mayan temples and roads, including the Twin Temples.
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The finish line is located behind the Great Temple I at Tikal National Park.
Transitions:
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T1 (Swim-to-Bike): Hotel Maya Internacional, Flores, Peten
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T2 (Bike-to-Run): Parking lot near the museum at the green camping area, Tikal National Park
Categories:
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Men and Women (by age groups) for the 70.3 distance only:
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18-24
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30-34
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35-39
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40-45
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46-49
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50+ Women
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50-54
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55-59
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60+ Men
Podium awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place overall in Promotional, Relay, Duathlon, and Other Ability Races.
Age categorization is based on your age as of December 31st of the current year. Available only for 70.3 individuals.
Finish Line:
- The race concludes at the back of the Great Temple I in Tikal National Park.
Stay Updated:
Refer to the official websites for any updates or changes to the itinerary. https://www.guatetriclub.com/?page_id=140 And https://masdeporte.com.gt/gran-jaguar-70-3/
We hope this information is helpful! Train hard and good luck at the Gran Jaguar Triathlon!
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Oct 10 – 11, 2026See full details
Renowned for its unique landscape of sand dunes, over 100km of beaches and inland marine lake on France's wild west coast, the setting is idyllic and the course fast and flat!
Vieux Boucau, a seaside resort where surfers come to face the waves in the summer and autumn brings triathlon with a combination of sport and fun.
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Wild west coast lined with sand dunes
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Unique marine lake without waves or current
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Diverse course alternating between the coast, valleys, hillsides and flats
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Extensive running tracks through the pine forest
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Where surf culture meets triathlon – a vibrant coastal setting for all the family
Event details and schedule
About the Local Area
Vieux Boucau is a family seaside resort renowned for its unique landscape of sand dunes, over 100km of beaches and its unique marine lake.
About the Race
The point-to-point 1.9km swim takes part in the sheltered marine lake – a saltwater swim with no waves nor current.
The single lap 90km bike takes athletes along the fast and flat roads and through the forests of the Landes region
The run course is around the marine lake before finishing in the centre of Vieux Boucau.
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Oct 23 – 25, 2026See full details
Todos los años la Sociedad Americana Contra el Cáncer de Puerto Rico escoge un grupo de líderes que promueve la detección temprana del cáncer de seno y recaudan fondos para apoyar los programas y servicios que ayudan a salvar vidas.
Hombres Reales Visten de Rosa es una iniciativa que permite darle una presencia mayor al hombre en la lucha contra el cáncer de seno y es una propuesta que permite identificar localmente a un hombre líder que pueda impulsar la recaudación para las iniciativas de cáncer de seno de la Sociedad Americana Contra el Cáncer de Puerto Rico. Este es el quinto año que participo, yo José Echevarría González como Hombre Real Visten de Rosa, en este proyecto que me permite ayudar a las pacientes de cáncer.
Cabe señalar que el año pasado nuestro evento superó nuestras expectativas de recaudos y quedamos en primer lugar en todo Puerto Rico, aportando la cantidad de $23,000.00. En esta ocasión contamos con la asistencia de 900 ciclistas y 500 corredores para el 5K e impactamos a más de 4,000 participantes y nuestra promoción digital llegó a más de 175,000 personas.
Con la ayuda de mis colaboradores, este 2026, se llevará a cabo:
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La 6ta edición de “Hombres Reales Visten de Rosa, la corrida” a llevarse a cabo el domingo, 25 de octubre de 2026.
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La 4ta edición de “Hombres Reales Visten de Rosa, 5K” a llevarse a cabo el sábado, 24 de octubre de 2026.
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La 2da edición “Duatlón de Rosa” a llevarse a cabo el sábado 24 de octubre de 2026.
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La 2da edición “Los Niños Visten de Rosa” a llevarse a cabo el sábado 24 de octubre de 2026.
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En su 1ra edición “Critérium de Rosa” a llevarse a cabo el viernes23 de octubre de 2026.
Todos con el mismo propósito de recaudar fondos los cuales serán entregados en su totalidad a la Sociedad Americana Contra el Cáncer de Puerto Rico. Este año esperamos contar con la participación de 600 corredores en el 5k, 1,000 ciclistas y 3,000 personas en la feria de salud y exposición de artículos deportivos.
Event details and schedule
Este año nos proponemos realizar un evento más grande y diferente que los años anteriores. El calendario de actividades será el siguiente:
Lugar: Complejo Ferial, Ponce, Puerto Rico
Viernes, 23 de octubre de 2026.
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“Critérium de Rosa”, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
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Este evento es una carrera de ciclistas (Bicicleta de Ruta solo Hibrida) NO E-Bike,
de alta intensidad disputada en un circuito cerrado y corto, generalmente de 90 minutos, donde se unen las curvas, velocidad y técnica.
- Premiaciones en metálico
Sábado, 24 de octubre de 2026.
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“Duatlón de Rosa”, presentado por Luis A. Ayala Sucrs. Inc. 7:00 am – 10:00 am
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Este evento es de resistencia que reúne dos disciplinas deportivas competitivas, pedestre y ciclismo de montaña. Se realizará modalidad sprint: 3km pedestre + 18km ciclismo + 3km pedestre. (NO SE PERMITIRAN BICICLETAS GRAVEL Y E-BIKE) Solo Bicicletas MTB
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“Los Niños Visten de Rosa” 9:30 am – 11:00 am
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Corrida de Niños entre la edad de 3 años a 13 años. Estos Niños quieren hacer representación a otros Niños que padecen de Cancer. (Los niños deben de estar acompañados de un adulto)
Mientras los eventos del Duatlón de Rosa y Los Niños Visten de Rosa se van llevando a cabo en las afueras del Complejo, Comienza la Ciclo Feria de Salud y Deportiva dentro del Complejo Ferial Juan H. Cintron
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“Ciclo Feria de Salud y exposición de artículos deportivos”, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
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sobre 40 exhibidores, habrá presentaciones de artistas del patio y diversas conferencias relacionadas al ciclismo, salud, sorteos y más.
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“Hombres Reales Visten de Rosa, 5K” Road vs Trail, presentado por el Laboratorio Clínico Costa Caribe, 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
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Este evento pedestre será competitivo o pasivo, donde atletas, sobrevivientes, familiares, amigos y todos aquellos solidarios con la causa, podrán correr o caminar en honor a los pacientes fallecidos, que se encuentren el proceso y sobrevivientes de Cáncer que forman parte de su historia. Esta nueva versión de nuestro 5k es retada en dos modalidades “Road vs Trail” donde salen junto los corredores y en el comienzo de la ruta se dividen entre la ruta de calle y la ruta del Trail del Ferial.
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Premiaciones en Metálico.
Domingo, 25 de octubre de 2026.
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Corrida de ciclismo: “Hombres Reales Visten de Rosa, la corrida”, presentado por Sistema de Salud Menonita y Plan de Salud Menonita, 7:00 am – 12:00 pm
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Esta es una corrida de ciclismo de alto rendimiento, para bicicletas de monte, calle y E-bike, de aproximadamente 30 millas y ruta para bajo rendimiento de aproximadamente 20 millas, por la Ciudad Señorial de Ponce.
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Feria de salud y exposición de artículos deportivos, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm - sobre 40 exhibidores, habrá presentaciones de artistas del patio y diversas conferencias relacionadas al ciclismo, salud y más.
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Sep 4 – 6, 2026 at 5:00 AMSee full details
El TriLola es un evento de triatlón, organizado por las productoras del Lola Challenge Weekend (Run Like a Lola, Inc) creado para atletas de alto rendimiento en donde se destacan la natación, el ciclismo y el pedestrismo.
Event details and schedule
¿Qué es el TriLola?
El TriLola es un evento de triatlón, organizado por las productoras del Lola Challenge Weekend (Run Like a Lola, Inc) creado para atletas de alto rendimiento en donde se destacan la natación, el ciclismo y el pedestrismo.
¿Cuándo y dónde se llevará a cabo?
El evento se llevará a cabo del 4 al 5 de septeimbre del 2026 en Guanica y el hotel Copa Marina.
¿Qué ocurrirá cada día?
Viernes 4 de septiembre - Hotel Copa Marina
3pm-5pm Entrega de números.
6:00pm - Charla técnica
7:00pm - Pasta Party
Sábado 5 de septiembre-
6:00am - Salida de Tríalo Larga Distancia
6:30am - Salida de Tríalo Sprint
12:00pm - Terminan ambos tríalos
Premiación- tan pronto termine el tríalo
7:00pm - Party 🎉
Domingo 6 de septiembre
Check out hotel - Goodbye 👋
¿Cuáles son las rutas y distancias?
Ruta de Natación Distancia Sprint y Distancia Alargada:
-Se nadará en el balneario de CañaGorda
-Sprint daría una vuelta de 750 mts
-Distancia Alargada daría dos vueltas para un total de 1,500 mts
-La salida será en el balneario Caña Gorda, Guanica
-Se nadará en contra de las manecillas de reloj
-Se sale fuera del agua para la entrar a la segunda vuelta
Zona de Transición:
-Será a lo largo de la carretera del balneario
-Distancia Sprint estará a mano derecha y distancia Alargada a la mano izquierda
-Se sale de la natación se toma la Bicicleta y se sale en dirección a la entrada/salida principal del balneario
-Cuando se llegue de la bicicleta se entrega y se sale corriendo en dirección a Copa Marina para correr en la PR-333
Ruta de Ciclismo Sprint:
-Se sale del balneario tomando la PR-333 en dirección a la PR-116 donde se doblara a la izquierda en el Burger King hasta la línea limítrofe con Lajas (que de debe ser por Piraguas Las Muchachas) donde se virara en U nuevamente y se regresara a Copa Marina por la misma ruta. Esta vuelta tiene alrededor de 15 millas
Ruta de Ciclismo Distancia Alargada:
-Se sale del balneario tomando a la derecha sobre la PR-333 en dirección a la PR-116 donde se doblara la derecha en el Burger King en dirección del sector Cañas. Llegamos a la intersección con 326, donde se encuentra Forever Flavor, se vira en U y se continúa en la PR-116 hasta la línea limítrofe con Lajas (que de debe ser por Piraguas Las Muchachas) donde se virara en U nuevamente y se regresara al viraje de Forever Flavor se regresa nuevamente al viraje en Las Piraguas las Muchachas y se vira en U se regresa a Copa Marina por la misma ruta. Esta vuelta tiene alrededor de 32 millas
Ruta de pedestrismo Sprint:
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3.1 millas – Una vuelta (ida y vuelta).
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Saliendo del balneario se doblara a la derecha sobre la PR-333 en dirección a playa de Tamarindo y se regresa nuevamente al balneario.
Ruta de pedestrismo Alargada:
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6 millas – Una vuelta (ida y vuelta) + media vuelta sobre la PR-33
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Saliendo del balneario se doblara a la derecha en dirección a playa de Tamarindo y se regresa nuevamente al balneario, se vuelve nuevamente al viraje del Sprint y se regresa para culminar al balneario.
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Thu, Jul 23, 2026 at 6:15 PMSee full details
Cedar Lake Triathlon Summer 2026 Season - Race #5
This is the fifth of our 6 race summer series held every other Thursday night at Cedar Lake for local, grassroots racing at its best.
For 2026, we will offer two races:
Individual and Relay Sprint Triathlon: Our individual and relay sprint triathlons consists of a 500(ish) yard lake swim, a 10 mile bike, and a 5k road run. They are perfect races for first timers who want to see what they can achieve, experienced triathletes looking to fine tune for a longer fall race, or anyone who just wants an active, family summer Thursday evening. We have awards for both the fast and the first (timers), and lots for those in between. Relay teams are welcome and celebrated. Wetsuits are encouraged when the water temperature is below 80 degrees, and strongly encouraged for at least the first two races. Aqua jogging is not permitted.
Super Sprint Triathlon: Returning for its second season is our popular super sprint race: all of the triathlon experience just in a smaller package! The super sprint consists of a 200(ish) yard swim, a 5mile bike, and a 1.7 mile run. First timers love this race: you can start your Thursday as a regular human, finish it as a Triathlete, and let us share the joy of your success with special prizes (and a whole lot of positive energy!!). Younger races are welcome, but you have to be 13 to toe the line. And we love families. If your child is racing, you can race with them for free as long as you accompany them for the entire race. Swim, bike and run with your child; it's a priceless family experience.
Gun Times:
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Super Sprint: 6:10 p.m
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Individual / Relay Sprint: 6:15 p.m.
Preregistration: Racers must preregister. Register early to secure both a spot and a lower entry fee, which will increase on race day. Last season, the races sold out several times and once we hit our cap, we can't accept any more entries.
Online registration will close at 5:00 p.m. on each race day. There will be no onsite registration this year.
Race day check in starts at 5:00 p.m. and all registered racers must be checked in by 5:45 p.m.
First Time? Come on down to Cedar Lake!! We love first timers and a significant part of our weekly field of racers are athletes getting their feet wet for the first time. In transition, you will see every type of bike racked and ready to race: from expensive carbon TT bikes headed for an Ironman to hybrid bikes and even the occasional beach cruiser. Not sure you can do a triathlon? Finding out is half the fun. Over 95% of our racers finish each week. We don't use cutoff times, except for later in the season as the sun starts to set earlier (typically the last race or two). Not sure exactly how it works? We have lots of friendly experienced volunteers and even a certified tri coach on site on race days to explain the mysteries of buoy turns, transition and equipment. Before you race, be sure that you can swim 20 pool lengths without stopping for the full sprint, or 10 pool lengths for the super sprint. Aqua jogging is not permitted.
Come join us this summer!
Inclement Weather: In the event of inclement weather on race day, the race organizers reserve the right to change the race to a duathlon, a 5K or cancel the race.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How far is a standard duathlon?
A standard duathlon is typically a 10 km run, a 40 km bike, and a 5 km closing run, while a sprint duathlon is shorter, often around a 5 km run, 20 km bike, and 2.5 km run. Distances vary by event, so check the specific race page.
What is the difference between a duathlon and a triathlon?
A duathlon is run, bike, then run with no swim, while a triathlon is swim, bike, then run. A duathlon suits athletes who would rather not swim or who want a race through the off-season.
How many transitions does a duathlon have?
A duathlon has two transitions: T1 from the opening run to the bike, and T2 from the bike to the closing run. Both are timed and count toward your finish, so quick, rehearsed changeovers save useful time.
What is a cross duathlon?
A cross duathlon is the off-road version, run on trails with a mountain-bike leg instead of a road bike. It keeps the run-bike-run format but adds technical terrain, so handling and footing matter more than on pavement.
How should I pace the first run in a duathlon?
Start the opening run as a controlled effort rather than flat out. Going too hard early spikes your heart rate and leaves your legs flooded for the bike, which makes the closing run much harder, so ease in and build.
How do I find a duathlon near me?
Use our event listing filtered by the Duathlon tag to see upcoming run-bike-run races by location and date.