Buffalo Duathlon Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Mike M.
Syracuse, UT

  (06-07-2009)

"This was an excellent race in spite of 2 things. They had trouble scheduling the race - first a conflict with the Salt Lake Marathon (People complained) and then problems rescheduling the venue. It is usually raced on Antelope Island, but this year it was in Farmington. 2 thing was that it rained. I had a 1/2 inch of water in my running shoes when I got back from my ride section.

In years past this has been a bike/run event. This year it was a run/bike/run with a sprint and olympic option available. I opted for the olympic distance 10km run / 16 mile bike / 5km run and was one of 6 participants.

The run course went out along the Legacy Parkway trail. It could have been marked a little better, but we all found our way, and had it not been bucketing down I think it would have been - perhaps the signs washed away.

The run course was relatively flat and as a result very fast - I got a 10k PR!

The bike course was a 2 loop out and back along the Frontage Road to Centerville. It was wet, but fast and aside from having to stop at intersections I liked it.

The final run was along the Lagoon trail. A fairly easy out and back course, unless you weren't listening to the directions at the start and got lost. Didn't drop a place, and it was shorter than a full 5k, so I didn't mind too much.

It was a great race, although the rain and rescheduling killed the turn out and the spectators. I would highly recommend it though, and it's for an excellent cause - the Hess Cancer Foundation."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Mike M.
Syracuse, UT

  (06-07-2009)

"The race was held on Antelope Island in 2008. They promoted it really well, had a new race director, and so it was big and while it was organized well over-all, small things like assigning timing chips took longer than expected and so the race started late.

The start was a time-trial style one. One bike at a time, and it was a little chaotic - not helped by it being late. But I got underway without too much trouble.

They had a sprint and olympic distance option, and being the same price, I figured I'd get more bang for the buck and go long! The course winds around the beach on the west side of the island (Watch out for the slick Oolitic Sand) and then heads out to the Gar Ranch along the Mountain View road. The roads are in good repair and while open to traffic, I think I saw 3 cars, and 2 of those belonged to USAT officials.

It's a challenging course, but you're rewarded with great views, and the odd antelope and bison alongside the road.

Transition is at the Mariner, and was well laid out. Mine went well.

The run heads out along the causeway, so it's hot and exposed, but very, very flat with aid stations every mile.

It's early enough in the morning that bugs aren't really a problem, but I got eaten alive by biting gnats during the awards ceremony - I'd recommend bug repellent if you don't leave as soon as the race is done.

Finally, the race supports the Hess Cancer Foundation. They help pay funeral costs for families who have lost children to cancer and can't afford burial costs.

Great cause, fun race and I would highly recommend it."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008