PUT your running shoes on and get on your bike for this new ‘run – ride – run’ event being staged in Stockton .
More fun than a run and less gruelling than a triathlon, Stockton Duathlon Festival takes place on Sunday, 21 April and it will certainly get people’s adrenalin flowing.
There are three distances to choose from, to make sure people of all abilities can take part in the event which will be held on a fully closed road circuit in a multi-lap format.
The standard race involves a 5k run, 40k cycle and 5k run. If you are just beginning and don’t want to tackle the Standard distance, why not try the Novices event with a 2k run and 10k cycle, finishing with a 1k run. Or alternatively, have a go at the Sprint race, involving a 5k run, 20k cycle and 2.5k run. Races will start from Stockton ‘s Riverside .
There will be cash prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in the standard distance race and goody bags for all entrants.
Councillor Ken Dixon, Stockton Council’s Cabinet Member for Arts, Leisure and Culture, said: “The duathlon will be a fantastic new event to complement our already packed programme of events throughout the whole year.
“The Duathlon Festival really is open to everyone and it will be great to see beginners and elite athletes competing. It will also be a thrilling spectacle for audiences and the multi lap format will allow people to line the route and really cheer on the competitors.”
The event is being held by Stockton Council in association with TriHard and Triathlon England. The closing date for entries is Sunday, 14 April and entrants must be aged 16 by 31 December 2013.
For more details and to book a place log onto www.stockton.gov.uk/duathlon
Photo: Thomas Egan.