RunningShoes.com MTB Duathlon Race Report by Troy Hopwood

Here's a race report of a different flavor.

While it's cross season for many, myself included, I decided to take a trip up North and give the Runningshoes.com mountain bike duathlon a whirl in Bellingham. I'm new to running so I really didn't know what to expect. The event consisted of a 5k run, 10k bike and another 5k run.

The weather was gorgeous, though very cold. It was hard to get warmed up to start, but the cooler temps were welcome towards the end of the race.

The race started with a counter-clockwise run around Lake Padden in a mass start of 90+ participants. Before the race I was noticing just how fit everyone looked. Obviously it wasn't just for show as I was quickly off the back of the runners. I managed to pick off a couple stragglers, but it was less than impressive.


Then came the mountain bike section. I have never felt so good on a bike in my life. After the transition it simply felt effortless. I easily passed 20-30 riders on the bike leg and had a blast doing it. The bike leg was on the same course as the Indie Series race so it was a phenominal course.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end and it was back to running. I managed to hold off most everyone I passed on the bike which was a surprising moral victory.

In the end, I finished 12th in my category and 61st overall.

If you haven't tried a duathlon, I can't recommend it enough. I had so much fun that I'll be seeking out every one I can find. The day was encouraging since this was only the 12th run of my life.
`Troy Hopwood