What is the Dunes Duathlon???

The Dunes Duathlon is a 5 mile trail run followed by a 17 mile bike ride on the local roads. The event is held at the beautiful Saugatuck Dunes State Park. The heavily shaded trail run will take you through the woods, hills, and dunes with beautiful views of Lake Michigan. Though most of the trails are hard packed dirt, there is some sand and an occasional sand dune on the run so do not plan on a PR. Check out the banner photo above for an idea of what you will be running on. The bike section will take you through rural West Michigan from the wooded areas on the west side to the farmland of Allegan County. All roads are paved and very smooth. The race is challenging for competitive athletes yet is also suitable for beginners. The weather ranges from cool in the morning to comfortable in the afternoon, though this is Michigan, be prepared for anything.

WFirsFirst duathlon?

• Is this you first duathlon?  Do you have no idea what to do or what to wear?  Here is a little bit of information.
• The Dunes Duathlon is a run followed by a bike.  Before the race, the bikes are parked in a transition area.  Other equipment such as a helmets, shoes, water bottles, and whatever else are stored there. 
• Equipment: 
  • Clothing:  Athletes need to figure out what is comfortable to both run and bike in.
    • No nudity in the transition area.
    • A popular option is some type of tight fitting top that is aerodynamic on the bike but also comfortable on the run and does not cause chafing (check this in practice first).  Wicking shirts are also an option.
    • Bike shorts are comfortable when biking but the pad can be cumbersome on the run.  A better option are so called "tri" shorts.  They look like the tight fitting bike shorts but have a smaller pad.
    • Running shoes for the run and either cycling or running shoes on the bike.
    • Bib numbers can be front or back, timing chips are worn around the ankle.
     
  • Bikes
    • Make sure bikes are in working order before the race.  We will have pumps at the race and can assist with minor mechanicals but do not end the race early because of something that could have been prevented.
    • Road bike, tri bike, mountain bike.  They will all work, some are a little faster than others.
    • Wear your helmet at all times.
    • NO HEADPHONES.  Headphones prevent athletes from hearing traffic, race support staff, and other competitors.  For that reason, leave the iPods in the transition area.
• The Run
  • The 5 mile run is well marked but will not be a PR course.  It is hilly and there are the occasional sand dunes. There are also tree roots to keep an eye out for.  Trust me, every year I go down at least once marking the course.  If you come out clean, you are not racing hard enough.  :)
  • There are two aid stations on the course offering water.  The first one is at the 1/2 and 2 1/2 mile mark and the second is at the 3 1/2 mile mark.  There will also be water in the transition area.
  • Do not go out so hard on the run that there is nothing left for the bike.
  • Look around, this is one of the most beautiful run courses in the nation.
• The Bike
  • Wear you helmet.
  • Carry some water or Gatorade.  The run will take a bit out of you.
  • The course is marked with an extreme number of arrows thanks to Jade and Whisper Cycles.  Still, look at the course map beforehand.
  • Police and volunteers will handle traffic at the intersections.  The roads are open to traffic so watch out and stay to the right.
  • Cross the finish line then hand your timing chip to the race volunteers.

Run rules

    - Follow the flags and arrows
    - The mile markers are at most approximate if not at least conveniently placed
    - Enjoy the scenery but watch out for errant tree roots (and trees)
    - Keep smiling, have fun
    - Remember the bike ride afterwards

Bike Rules

    - For safety reasons, there are no headphones allowed
    - Helmets are required for the bike ride, they must be clipped whenever you are riding your bike
    - Stay to the right, there are cars and other cyclists passing
    - No drafting, must stay 5 bike lengths behind the cyclist ahead of you
    - Listen to instructions of race officials
    - Keep smiling, have fun

Course Maps

Run	Bike