Published at 07:42, Wednesday, 30 January 2013

TO help with his training for Great Britain qualification, Allen Valley Striders treasurer Brendon Jackson last year decided to organise a one-off duathlon.

But it was such a success that the enthusiastic runner has been persuaded by competitors to bring it back for 2013.

On Sunday, March 10, the free, informal Allendale Duathlon will be held with expressions of interest already declared by athletes from across the region.

Jackson said: “It was just supposed to be a one-off for my practice, but there was a lot of interest and people enjoyed doing it.

“About five people have taken the sport up so it has helped people get involved in duathlon.”

The beauty of the event is that it is free to enter, and open to anyone over the age of 14.

Starting and finishing at Allendale Sports Club, the event is split into two distances for competitors of varying abilities.

The longer route will see participants run 8km, cycle 29km and run 4km, while the shorter distance is separated into two 4km runs and a 21km cycle.

Jackson said: “It is very informal and will not be timed, but it is not just for the casual runner as we had Barry Jameson compete last year and he is a GB age triathlete, as am I.”

Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk