New Junior Duathlon Announced by HUUB Events
Derby-based HUUB Events has announced its first Junior Duathlon which will be held on a closed circuit at Darley Moor race track in Ashbourne on Saturday May 27.
The event is open to young people aged eight to 16 and has been organised by HUUB Events in partnership with junior triathlon clubs – Derby’s HUUB Sports Academy and Ashbourne-based Peak Performance.
The event is affiliated to British Triathlon’s East and West Midlands Junior Race Series and has five different age-appropriate distances making it ideal for beginners, more experienced young athletes and those on the junior elite pathway programme.
Eight-year-olds will compete in a 400m run, followed by a 1.5km cycle and finishing with a 200m run. Distances increase through to the youth category for 15 to 16-year-olds who will tackle a 2.5km run, a 10km cycle route and then a 1.5km run.
Anyone can enter and do not have to be a member of a club. All they need is a pair of trainers, a roadworthy bike and a bike helmet.
Families also have the opportunity to camp overnight free of charge at the race track so that adults can take part in a duathlon for 17-year-olds and over at the venue the following day organised by Crazy Legs Events. The adult duathlon consists of a 5km run and 20km cycle finishing with a further 5km run.
HUUB Events Race Director Claire Duffin explained: “Although we are best known for organising the Jenson Button Trust Triathlon, we are developing a programme of different events both locally and across the UK which appeal to all age groups and abilities.
“This Junior Duathlon will be staged in a closed circuit – making it safe for young people to enjoy running and cycling.
“We are delighted to be teaming up with the HUUB Sports Academy and with Peak Performance who share our ethos of making sport accessible to all – particularly in the triathlon elements of swim, cycle and run.”
Hilary Johnson is Head of the HUUB Sports Academy which officially launched last month and holds regular swim, cycle and run training sessions across the city run by qualified coaches.
She continued: “The Academy aims to give juniors to adult and novice to expert the chance to reach their individual potential and fully enjoy everything that multi-sport has to offer.
“The duathlon has something for everyone and, as well as enabling members of affiliated triathlon clubs to gain ranking points, it will be an ideal introduction to competitive sport for newcomers in a great location.”
There are a number of training events planned to help young people and adults prepare for the events. For more information and to enter the HAS Junior Duathlon or the Adult Duathlon, please visit www.huubevents.com