What an outstanding and well-organized race. This was not a ‘running only’ race and there were plenty of options to accommodate all levels. There was the option to walk and ride if you are unable to run-bike-run which made this a great family event. The race also allowed for a relay option if you wanted to make it a team event.

There was no expo as packet pickup is the same day. This was convenient for out-of-towners like me driving the same day. Each participant received a New Balance Black Performance high quality long sleeve event t-shirt and the opportunity to enter drawings to win gift certificates to local businesses. There were snacks, water and Gatorade pre as well as post race for participants to partake in.

The race was a lot of out and back paths on the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP), which is a trail composed of a packed crushed stone. The trail was fast and flat. The duathlon starts with a 6.2 mile run (out and back on the trail) before participants switched over to bikes. Here, you headed in the opposite direction for 7.5 miles before returning for a total of 15 miles on the bike. For the biking portion, I would recommend a hybrid bike though some participants did use their road bikes. Upon return to the transition station, riders dismounted and headed out to finish the race with the last 2 miles of running. The race was followed by an awards ceremony. Certificates were awarded for all age groups, both male and female, and for both the walkers and the runners.

This race was in honor of one of my parents’ dearest friends who passed away from a brain tumor. The funds raised through this race are utilized to support local cancer patients with the day-to-day expenses incurred during their treatment. We would love to see many more participants come out to support this great cause!