Rocketts Landing Duathlon Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Janelynn T.
Mechanicsville, VA

  (08-22-2010)

"Great race!

To start, it was easy to drive to and park.

While the triathlon participants greatly outnumbered those in the Duathlon, I appreciate the thoughtfulness of the Duo’s first run. The start was funky, "Which telephone pole are we stating at?" but the rest was well marked and scenic. I didn’t feel like the rotten stepchild of the Triathletes.

The bike course was beautiful smooth, I only saw two flats among other participants. Some gentle hills made things more interesting but didn’t beat you down for the run. Traffic was controlled on the start portion and mild everywhere else.

The final run course was excellent. Going under train tracks, riverside, floodwall, wooded, stairs… Even miserable from heat I could appreciate the beauty and interest level of the course.

It was record-breaking, wicked hot at 105. Race organizers planned for this by pushing fluids, encouraging all participants to mount a 2nd water bottle on their bikes, and educating participants about heat exhaustion. There were plenty of water stops along the run course and supporters were vigilant to spot anyone not looking well. The ice-cold sponges given to us during the 10K run were a fantastic way to take the edge off the heat. And they looked more cheerful tossed on the ground than drink cups. (Don’t worry all race litter was promptly picked up for recycling). At the end of the race there was a misting tent and guy willing to hose ya down with your permission.

I’ll definitely Du this one next year.

Only one suggestion. I felt as though my day before was gobbled up by the info session and packet pick-up a couple hours later at a different location. I'd rather it be consolidated.
"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Doug B.
Charlottesville, VA

  (08-18-2010)

"I did the Du just to try some variety in my tri season.

"Dude, you du-ed it?"
"I Du-ed it"
"You did?"
"I do'ed."
"Dude."

A well-marked course and flat out-and-back 1st run (only one short hill to head down from the start and up back to T1). I loved the bike course because it was my favorite style: mostly flat but some rollers to break up the monotony. Bike course is also very well marked. No aid stations, but that's known up front so you can pack 2 water bottles at the start. The second run is the same start & finish miles as the first run. The rest of the run is also very flat and as fast as you can make it. There was one spot where the run scales some steps up & over a railroad track. Approach this as an opportunity for variety and have fun with it - it's shorter than a steep hill! Aid stations every mile were well-stocked.

The mist tent at the finish was appreciated with this year's heat, but even better was the cold beer and wine after hydrating. A fun post-race band and great food from PF Changs. I'll definitely do this one again next year if I'm not on duty!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010