Question:
Anyone have an explanation as to why almost all duathlons have no
swim? I've done a few searches and found only one such event - an
ocean swim and beach run in SC. It seems like you'd get more
participation in the event if you started with a swim and then went to
_either_ a run (for those who can't afford a $1000+ bike) _or_ a bike
ride (for those with various health problems that make running
difficult or risky). Also, a swim-run duathlon would be much easier
logistics for the race director than a triathlon or traditional
duathlon. That being said, I don't understand why the event is not
more popular than it is.
As a beginner-level sprint triathlete, I would enter a duathlon with a
swim and one other event, but I'm not really interested the
traditional run-bike-run duathlons, since I prefer a sport that uses
the upper body as well.
Answer:My impression is that for most triathletes their least-favorite event is the
swim (not for me, though). Thus, there's probably less demand for such events.
I know Avon, New Jersey, has an annual run-swim-run race. I think it's
something like 1/2-mile hard sand run, 1/4-mile swim, 1/4-mile soft sand run,
but I could be wrong.
Finding a suitable place for an open water swim could be a bit tough
in some places. Courses suitable for bike and run are a bit easier to
map out.
In the Florida Panhandle, there's an annual 5k run, 200yd swim duo
that the city of Valparaiso puts on every 4th of July. (20+ years so
far) If anyone's in the Destin area that time of summer for vacation,
it's a fun way to start a holiday. $20ish entry fee and entries the
day of the race are cheerfully welcomed. And splashing around in the
bay after a run that time of year when it's hitting 80F at sunrise
feels quite nice.
In years past, they've done a swim/run race out at Sandestin about the
same time that resort holds its triathlon, but I'm not sure if it's on
this year's calendar.
Speaking of heat, I'm feeling a bit sorry for the folks doing Gulf
Coast tommorrow. The area's gone straight from winter to summer
weather, skipping spring entirely. Tommorrow's supposed to be pushing
90, with accompaning high humidity. Any time after 9 a.m. or so is
going to be utterly miserable.
