After a couple failed attempts at triathlons with open water swims, I’m going back to duathlon (doing the two sports I truly love). I had a goal of completing a full-distance Ironman (not necessarily branded) event before 2023 when I turn 50. That is now a crushed dream…unless I can find a duathlon at that distance. Yes, there would be no swim, just the 112mi bike and the marathon.
Does anyone know of any such events? I’ve done some searching, but nothing has made itself readily apparent. Thanks!
It’s not quite what you’re asking for, but I know the Crystal Coast Booty allowed people to relay even at the full distance. I have a friend who did the swim and half of the run, so I think they were pretty flexible with it. You could just find a swimmer and do the bits you liked.
Now, whether or not they run the full again next year based on participation this year… Remains to be seen.
the ‘ironman’ of the duathlon world is the powerman, in zofingen Switzerland. tough course, lots of history, etc.
if you wanted a huge duathlon challenge, you could do worse than that. . .
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Yep,Zolfingen has always been the premier duathlon in the world…
In the '90s there was an Iron Distance duathlon in Harrison Mills outside of Vancouver every September called the “World Endurance Duathlon”. It was 21.1k/180k/21.1k but didn’t last all that long.
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Here is a video of Zolfingen for the old school folks still alive here on Slowtwitch…Enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3L3vuhOVwk
American Zofingen Long Course isn’t quite Iron distance (5/84/15) but, trust me, you’d be happy they don’t add another run and bike loop.
Full disclosure, I’ve never done the LC. But, I’ve done the short course 3x and I did the last Iron ITT they held, in 2011. 4 laps, 112 miles. The hardest 100+ miles I’ve ever done. By far. I couldn’t imagine running 1 mile after that!
Thanks for all the replies, everyone. I found Powerman after posting this last night; I certainly wouldn’t mind a vacation to Switzerland (and my wife certainly won’t complain about a racecation).
I know that duathlon is the red-headed step child of multisport, but I’m glad to see it’s gaining more ground. I did the USAT Duathlon Nationals in Bend, OR in 2017 and had a blast. It’s definitely my niche…I just love running and cycling.
Good question: it’s not that I can’t swim, it’s that I’m deathly afraid of open water swimming and all that entails. I have severe claustrophobia, which is exacerbated by the confining wetsuit and the sense of “bottomlessness” that open water induces. I’m fine in a 3-6’ deep pool…I log 2500 yds a week and enjoy that.
I’d have to agree, based on what I’ve been reading lately! Given how many swims get cancelled, it would make sense to have a du option. I think Ironman is missing out on a potentially large market segment.
I jumped on to mention Michigan Titanium (MiTi) but someone beat me to it. This year’s race will be August 18 and Grand Rapids is probably a lot closer than Switzerland! If you haven’t been to West Michigan it’s an awesome place, although I’m a bit biased. Drop me a line if you have any questions about the race or the area.
Ironman is basically a duathlon with a swim test at the beginning.
Personally, I am all about competence and competition.
I would rather be fast at any race than merely complete another.
Some people, however, are more interested in bragging.
Here is my point:
Not a very good brag- " I completed Xxx race. It is like an Ironman but I didn’t have to pass a swim test. "
Good brag (for me at least) - “I won my AG, 1st out of 300, in Xxx race.”
is the espirit tri sti running in Montreal? that was an iron-distance race with the swim in an Olympic rowing basin. basically just a huge outdoor pool. you could see bottom the whole time, and zip over to the side for a breather!
