Race Previews

Dynamic Dus & Terrific Tris....

Monday, 16 May 2016 06:10

PREVES - The two most competitive duathlons in the US will take place in the next two weeks, and both of them are contested right here in Minnesota. We're talking about the GEAR WEST DU, the 24th edition of which will take place in Orono next Sunday, and the APPLE DU, at 34, our state's oldest multisport event, the following Saturday.

The competitive reputations of these races can be intimidating to some. That''s too bad.Those folks may perceive the events as being designed only for serious athletes. Not true. Sure, these races have...

more than their share of elite entrants, but they are as welcoming to recreational athletes as any race anywhere. So, if you're among those who have yet to give these outstanding experiences a chance, we encourage you to register. If you do, you'll see that their competitive reps are only part of what makes them great events. -  GEAR WEST DU - APPLE DU

CROWN JEWELS - Final Stretch produces first-class endurance events. We all know that. Arguably the Crown Jewel (among other fine gems!) on its multisport calendar is the LIBERTY TRI, the 12th edition of which will be staged at picturesque Lake Rebecca Park near Rockford on June 11. The event features an Olympic distance tri and a half IM, the first long course race on the Minnesota calendar. Like most races these days, enrollment could use a boost, so we want you to know that the MTN Guys give Liberty our highest recommendation. We encourage those who haven't signed up yet to do so at their earliest opportunity. - LIBERT TRI

ROSS' BABY - Another of our all-time favorite events is 2009 Minnesota Race of the Year LAKE MINNETONKA TRIATHLON. Ross tells us that it's about 80% filled, so act quickly if you want to get in. The race is on June 18.  - LAKE MINNETONKA TRI