Wild Deer Duathlon

What is a duathlon?

A duathlon is an athletic event consisting of a run, followed by a cycle, and then another run. Duathlons are a strategic battle against the clock, demanding not only physical prowess in running and cycling but also astute pacing and seamless transitions. Unlike our triathlon events, it eliminates the swimming component, making it accessible to those who prefer land-based endurance challenges.

How far is a duathlon?

Wild Deer duathlons offer a choice of both sprint and standard distances, each designed to test your mettle. Our standard distance events pay homage to the classic duathlon format, which consists of:

First run – approximately 10 kilometres: This initial run sets the pace, demanding a burst of speed and strategic positioning. It’s a test of your ability to quickly transition from running to cycling.

Cycle – approximately 40+ kilometres: The cycling leg demands careful management of energy and pace. Athletes must balance cycling powerfully with conserving enough strength for the concluding run, making it a pivotal part of the duathlon.

Second run – approximately 5 kilometres: After the cycle, the final 5km run is a test of sheer determination, demanding athletes to dig deep and find their remaining stamina. It’s a focused effort to conquer the final stretch and achieve the duathlon finish.

Our sprint (short) duathlons provide a great opportunity to experience the thrill of a run-bike-run format without the commitment of a longer race. They are ideal for those new to multisport events, offering shorter distances that are less daunting. For example, our popular Derwent Reservoir Duathlon Sprint involves a 5km run, a 20km cycle and a final 2.5km run.

Whatever duathlon distance you choose, it’s a rewarding challenge for novice athletes and seasoned runners/cyclists alike.

Why choose a Wild Deer Duathlon?

Multiple locations & stunning scenery

The Wild Deer Duathlon Series takes place amidst the breathtaking landscapes of multiple locations across the North of England and Scotland. Runners and cyclists will traverse scenic routes, encountering rolling hills, picturesque trails, and stunning urban views. The varied terrain across each location provides a challenging yet rewarding experience, making every mile a memorable one.

Test your versatility across multiple terrains

Our duathlon races are designed to test your versatility across a spectrum of terrains. From the rolling hills of Northumberland to the quiet country lanes of Bramham Town and challenging Lake District climbs, each location presents a unique topographical challenge.

You’ll encounter a variety of surfaces, including relaxed road cycling stretches, rugged trail paths, and off-road biking options, as seen in the demanding Dalby Forest Duathlons. Whether you’re a trail runner or a road cyclist who excels on technical descents, our series offers the perfect opportunity to experience the thrill of diverse landscapes.

Enjoy an accessible challenge

At Wild Deer, we believe adventure shouldn’t be confined to the elite. Our duathlons embody this belief, welcoming athletes of all backgrounds and abilities. Ultimately, our courses offer a pathway to personal achievement. We strip away the intimidating barriers, like the swim, to create a welcoming and accessible gateway into the world of duathlons. With Wild Deer, it’s not just about racing; it’s about discovering your potential, pushing your boundaries, and experiencing an exciting adventure, one stride and pedal at a time.

Join a supportive community

Join fellow athletes who understand the dedication it takes to conquer challenging courses. The supportive atmosphere provides opportunities to connect, share experiences, and celebrate achievements across all our locations. This is where you’ll find a community built on mutual respect and a shared passion.

Experience expert event organisation

We are committed to providing a well-organised and enjoyable experience for all participants. Clear course markings, aid stations and dedicated staff ensure a seamless and memorable event, no matter which location you choose.

How do I train for a duathlon?

It’s important to incorporate both running and cycling into your training schedule, with a focus on building endurance and strength in both disciplines.

Brick training is also very useful. This involves practicing transitioning between running and cycling to stimulate race conditions.

We recommend gradually increasing the distance of your long runs and rides to build endurance. Remember to incorporate regular rest days to allow your body to recover and adapt, minimising the risk of overuse injuries.

If speed is your goal, it is important to incorporate interval training to improve your efficiency. This involves alternating periods of high-intensity effort with periods of rest or lower-intensity recovery. This could be 400-meter repeats for running, and cycling hill repeats to improve strength and power.

Don’t forget to incorporate some form of strength training exercise into your weekly plan, as this will also help to prevent injuries.

Practice your race-day nutrition and hydration strategy during training so that you’re well-fuelled and prepared on the day.

What do I wear for a duathlon?

Choosing the right kit for a duathlon isn’t just about comfort; it’s about optimising performance during a demanding run-bike-run event, ensuring you can focus on pushing your limits rather than battling with ill-fitting gear.

Running shoes: Choose comfortable and supportive running shoes suitable for both road and trail surfaces.

Cycling shorts/jersey: Opt for cycling shorts with padding for comfort and a moisture-wicking cycling jersey.

Tri-suit (optional): A tri-suit is designed for multisport events and provides comfort and efficiency during both running and cycling.

Helmet: A properly fitted cycling helmet is essential for safety.

Sunglasses: Shield your eyes from harmful UV rays and protect yourself against wind, dust, and debris, ensuring clear vision throughout the race.

Running socks: Choose moisture-wicking socks to prevent blisters.

Cycling gloves: Improve your grip and shock absorption while cycling.

Nutrition belt/pockets: Carry essential nutrition and hydration around the course.

Ready to test your duathlon mettle?

Our duathlon events will test your limits and provide a rewarding experience. Join a community of athletes who value both competition and the spirit of adventure. Choose your challenge and enter a race!

VIEW DUATHLON EVENTS