Duathlon Course Rundown
A duathlon is an event with three segments, similar to a triathlon, but does not include any swimming. In this event, you run/walk, bike, then run/walk again. Most often the two run segments are the same distance and on the same course.
FIRST RUN/WALK
For the first run, you will start either in the overflow parking lot by the dog park, or at the softball field - we will finalize the start location when the event is closer.
The run course is 2.0 miles and is an out-and-back course. A map of the run/walk course can be found under the "Duathlon Info" tab on this website under "First Walk/Run." You will start at the designated location and all duathlon participants will start at the same time. You will head out to Clubhouse Loop and take a right on Robson Blvd., staying on the right side of the sidewalk. You will continue on Robson until you reach Globe Drive. At Globe Drive, turn right and head to the water station at the turnaround point. We ask that you please throw your empty water cups in the garbage cans provided at this location. After the water station, you will proceed back to Robson Blvd. and take a left on Robson Blvd., again staying on the right side of the sidewalk. Continue to Clubhouse Loop (by Elevate Studios) where you will take a left and head into the transition area where your bike will be located.
Transition from First Run to Bike (Transition 1)
In transition, you will locate your bike, put your helmet on (and bike shoes if you have them), ensure your helmet is tightly fastened, grab some water, and maybe a bite of your snack, and WALK your bike to the MOUNT line (volunteers will show you the way). Once at the MOUNT line, you can get on your bike and head out on the course.
If you are part of a relay team, have your second runner (if you have one) transfer the timing chip from the first runner's left ankle to the biker's left ankle. If you only have one runner, then have the biker help with the transfer of the timing chip.
BIKE
You will WALK your bike from transition to the “Mount/Dismount” line at the end of the parking lot by Clubhouse Loop. Again, your helmet must be on and the chin strap must be fastened before you can get on your bike. Please do not get on your bike until you are out of the transition area and at the Mount Line. The Mount and Dismount line will be clearly marked and volunteers will be available to guide you. For safety reasons, there will be no riding your bike in the transition area.
The bike course is 7.4 miles and will consist of TWO LOOPS in the development. You are required to wear a helmet at all times while on the bike course – no helmet, no ride. Please note, there will not be a water station on the bike course so please be sure to bring your own water for the bike portion of the event or grab a drink in transition. There will be a water station in the transition area and we recommend you grab a drink before you head out on the bike and again before you head out on the second run.
A map of the bike course can be found under the "Duathlon Info" tab of this website. The bike course is OPEN to traffic on race day, and you are held to the same standards as you would be if you were on a regular bike ride. Stay in the bike lane or right shoulder if there is no bike lane. Do not ride in the lane of traffic unless an obstacle in the bike lane/right shoulder requires you to do so. Riders are required to be alert and obey all rules of the road to avoid any preventable mishaps on the course. Watch for volunteers and listen to their instructions especially when approaching intersections and stop signs. If they see it is safe, they may wave you through the stop signs without stopping. No drafting will be allowed on the bike course. Drafting is where one rider rides close enough to the back wheel of the rider in front of them to benefit from a “draft.” This draft allows the rider in the back to use less energy to maintain their speed. Please leave at least two full bike lengths between you and the rider in front. If you have to pass, always pass on the left and let the rider in front of you know you are passing by saying “on your left” or “passing.” If you hear this from a rider behind you, move closer to the right and allow them to pass.
Once you are on your bike, you will ride out on Clubhouse Loop (by Elevate Studios) and take a left on Robson Blvd. BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL when crossing Robson Blvd. We will have volunteers there to help with traffic control, but it is your responsibility to be aware of traffic and only cross when it is safe. You will then turn right on Cherry Oaks, continue straight to Harris Hawk, and follow this until you reach Robson Blvd. If this is your first loop, you will turn right on Robson Blvd. and repeat this route for a second time. If this is your second loop, when you get close to Clubhouse Loop (by Elevate Studios), get in the left lane, again BEING EXTREMELY careful when crossing traffic, and take a left on Clubhouse Loop and return to the bike Mount/Dismount line. Volunteers will be stationed at each intersection along the bike course to assist with traffic control and to ensure you are going in the right direction. Robson Ranch patrol trucks will be located at major intersections where vehicles may need to be slowed or stopped for rider safety. When you reach the mount/dismount line, dismount your bike and WALK it back to the transition area before heading out on the second run. If you are doing a relay, return your bike to the transition area and have your second runner transfer the timing chip from your left ankle to their left ankle.
We will have a volunteer who will drive the bike course in case you get a flat or your bike needs minor repair. It is your responsibility to ensure your bike is in good working condition for the event and you will be responsible for carrying your own flat repair kit. If your flat cannot be repaired, or your bike breaks down, the volunteer driving the course will pick you and your bike up and drive you back to the transition area. You can continue with the run portion of the event however you will not be eligible for awards.
Transition from Bike to Second Run (Transition 2)
SECOND RUN/WALK
The second run course is the same as the first and is a 2.0-mile out-and-back course. See the information under FIRST RUN/WALK section for details on the course.
When you take a left on Clubhouse Loop for the second time, you will be on the home stretch! Yahoo – you are almost there! Volunteers will direct you onto the softball field and you will run down the third base line towards home plate where you will see a finish line arch, flag, and millions, ok maybe not millions, but lots of fans in the bleachers, cheering you on. Please stay on the dirt section of the field and do not run on the grass. There will be a photographer there to take your picture so smile big as you cross the finish line and think about what you just accomplished!
If you are on a relay team, only the second runner can run across the finish line. Other teammates can be in the designated area on the field, by first base, when their runner crosses the finish line, but just the runner can cross the finish line. The reason for this is the timer will be at the finish line and they will need to be sure they are recording the correct person coming through the finish arch. Once across the line, all team members can collect their medals and pose for a photo at the finish line.
