Duathlon 101 – everyone is welcome at the Discovery Duathlon Sandton

A Duathlon is an event that consists of a running leg which transitions into a cycling leg, and then to a final running leg. The form of Duathlon is very similar to a triathlon, which starts with a swim leg, transitions to a cycle leg, and then finishes with a run leg. Duathlon, which omits the initial swimming leg, is a much more accessible sport for many people who either cannot or don’t want to swim. In addition, finding bodies of water in which to train can hamper efforts in triathlon training.

This makes Duathlon events more accessible for athletes of any fitness level. Despite this, Duathlon events are not as popular in South Africa as triathlon, with brand name events like IronMan leading the field for multidiscipline sports.

Nevertheless, the popularity of Duathlon is increasing as more events begin to open all over the country. With the latest addition of the first inner city run-cycle-run event, the Discovery Duathlon Sandton, the popularity of Duathlon is sure to be boosted.

What you need to know about the Discovery Duathlon Sandton

Date: 24 and 25 October 2015

Distances: Duathlon, like triathlon, has various distances to satisfy any athletic ability.

• Supersprint: 2.5km run, 12km cycle, 2.5km run.
• Sprint: 5km run, 20km cycle, 2.5km run.
• Standard: 10km run, 40km cycle, 5km run.

The kids’ Duathlon, school challenge, and corporate challenge distances available for the Discovery Duathlon Sandton vary.

Transitions: The time when athletes change from one leg of the race to another. This may include changing shoes (from running to cycling, then back to running), or gear, and picking up or racking your bike.

Transition area: The physical place on the route of the Duathlon where transitions occur. In the Discovery Duathlon Sandton, both transitions (T1 and T2) will take place in the same location.

Transition 1 (T1): Between the first run and the cycle leg. This transition requires you to put your helmet on and tighten it, and to fetch your bike from the rack. You may also choose to swap running shoes for cycling shoes and pick up snacks for the cycle leg.

Transition 2 (T2): This transition takes place between the cycling and the final running leg. You will have to re-rack your bike and remove your helmet. You may also have to swap out your shoes and pick up any additional equipment you need for the run – such as a cap.

Equipment: All you need to complete a Duathlon is a pair of shoes you can run and/or cycle in, appropriate sportswear, and a bicycle and helmet. There’s no reason to buy the most expensive equipment and you can effectively use your old pair of takkies and your old bike to complete the Duathlon. Your bike will be checked for safety, so if it’s old, be sure to have it serviced.

Route: The route for the Discovery Duathlon Sandton goes right through the heart of the inner city and allows you to experience the inner city in a way you never have before

EcoMobility festival: October, the month during which the Discovery Duathlon Sandton happens, is EcoMobility month. The goal is to demonstrate greener cities in which public transport, walking, and cycling are accessible ways to travel. Sandton will be closed to cars for EcoMobility month in October, and the Discovery Duathlon Sandton will be an important feature of this month.

Give it a try

Duathlons are the perfect multisport event to cut your teeth on, because if you have never participated in a multisport event, you can choose a short distance to get started.

Test your cycling, and running abilities, and join us at the first Discovery Duathlon Sandton. You can enter here: http://www.discoveryduathlon.com/