National Duathlon Festival Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Janelynn T.
Mechanicsville, VA

  (08-22-2010)

"Although Richmond will pass Nationals status to AZ, the race will continue in Richmond. It was huge full of hardcore elite athletes among novices that joined a local training team. I think I’ll enjoy what should be a smaller scale next year. Parking was a PITA as was bike check-ins the day before.

The bike course appeared confusing on the map. You were to make THREE loops and passing one section of bridge six times. In realty, it was so well marked that you were intuitively funneled into the right direction. No way to mess up no matter how much you worried. The bike course was technical and challenging with the steepest hill at Riverside Drive, to be visited tree times of course.

The bridges were fast and had gaps between uneven plates. I hit them hard in a pass blowing both my tires and had a lot of company. Some chose to put on new tube. Others chose to go wee, wee, wee, all the way home.

The runs were beautiful with hills and a sketchy bit of cobblestone.
"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Lilo N.
chesterfield, VA

  (04-29-2010)

"This was my first duathlon national competition and it was both fun, fast, and challenging. Unfortunately, as the previous reviewer stated, it is the 3rd and last year it's being held in Richmond, VA (2011 is in AZ). The run was scenic and well marked with some ups but mostly flats. Before getting to the finish line there was a little hill followed by an incline right at the end at the finish line which made you push just a little more.

The bike ride was fast on some the bridges when the wind wasn't in your face. The steep climb on Riverside Drive and lots of turns along the way made this a very technical course but fun if you rode it correctly.

One thing I did notice was quite a few athletes got flats.

The post-race party hosted by Richmond Tri Club was great with Chipotle food, pizza, and a good upbeat band!

Luckily the bad weather held off as they were calling for thunderstorms and showers most of the day (Sunday).

I would do it all again in a heartbeat if it was held again in Richmond. My team Endorphin Fitness (red/white/black uniforms) was well represented as was the Richmond Tri Club (blue/white/black). "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Gavin M.
Moseley, VA

  (04-25-2010)

"This was the final year of 3 that the National Duathlon Festival was held in Richmond, VA. I think that the format/course this year was the best (5k run, 38k bike, 5k run). I had a very solid race, finishing 33rd in my AG and around 117th overall. The first 5k starts off downhill and the first mile is fast with some ups and downs before levelling out for most of the 3.1 miles. The last 5-600 meters is up hill then flat before heading into T1. Coming out, you need to get on the bike quickly before a short climb and then a steep downhill. The 38k bike course is very technical and consists of three 8 mile loops with some great flat stretches as well as some challenging ascents and fast descents. The second 5k is pretty much a repeat of the first 5k. Richmond is a great setting for this race and I hope that USAT brings the race back to Richmond in the future."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2010