Grizedale and Newlands duathlons
This just in from the Whinlatter Duathlon organisers, Be Challenged, about their 2010 schedule...
This just in from the Whinlatter Duathlon organisers, Be Challenged, about their 2010 schedule…
Event: Grizedale Off Road Duathlon
Venue: Grizedale Forest Park, near Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJ.
Date: Sunday 14th March, 2010 at 10am.
Distance: 6.5k trail run/24k mountain bike/6.5k trail run
Cost: £25 BT members/£28 non BT members
Event Description:The Grizedale duathlon is a brand new challenge event suitable for all abilities whatever your sporting background. The event is aimed at fun competitors as well as the more serious athlete, all in a relaxed & friendly environment. If you have never done an off road duathlon before or want to challenge yourself on this spectacular course then this will be the ultimate multisport off road experience. It consists of a 6.5k trail run, followed by a 24k mountain bike ride & then a further 6.5k trail run, with approx. 1,450m/4,750′ of ascent throughout the whole course!
The event starts and finishes adjacent to Grizedale Visitor Centre & is entirely off road. The run route will be one 6.5km circuit on forest trails climbing steadily up to Carron Crag, at 314m (1025′) the highest point in the forest. Take in the stunning views of the Coniston Fells before a great descent through the forest & back to the transition area.
The mountain bike section is a challenging 24km circuit incorporating the full North Face trail. This is a purpose built trail comprising 9 sections of single-track featuring rocky sections, switchbacks, berms & boardwalks, linked together by forest roads. With additional singletrack bridleways & fire roads this will be a real classic bike route. Importantly, the course has been designed to incorporate a balance of terrain that will test riders of all abilities & take in many of the best features of the forest.
Event: Newlands Duathlon
Venue: Newlands Adventure Centre, Stair, near Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UF
Date: Sunday 18th April at 10am
Distance: 8k trail run/44k road bike/4k trail run
Cost: £25 BT members/£28 non BT members
Based in the north lakes this is a new multisport event comprising trail running & road cycling. With incredible scenery in some of the most stunning lakeland valleys & cycling over tough mountain passes this promises to be a fantastic event for those who relish a challenge. The run routes are to be based around the Catbells & Derwentwater lakeshore area. The bike route is a 44k loop taking in the climbs of Whinlatter & Honister passes with approx. 1,380m of ascent & testing 25% gradients.
There is also a relay Category for Pairs in both events. One person cycles, the other runs. This is open for male, female & mixed teams -ideal for specialist runners/cyclists or beginners who would like to test themselves over a single discipline.
For full event details visit www.bechallenged.co.uk
Matt Baird
Editor of Cycling Plus magazine 
