Something New to Du!

Guest post from Greg Skoog – a member of the Apple Duathlon Committee. Greg is a runner and cyclist who has competed in the last six Apple Duathlons. He’s also a father who has cheered his kids through a couple of Apple Kids Duathlons, from top-ten finishes to just-happy-to-be-finishings!

When it comes to getting active, one is fun but two makes things so much more interesting! That’s the exciting part of the Apple Duathlon challenge coming up on May 25-26, 2012. Before you have a chance to get bored with one event, it’s time to switch and do something new.

Is the du for yu?

For 30 years now, the Apple Duathlon has been one of the most respected multi-sport races in the country. And, while it’s true that the Apple draws some elite racers, the majority of the participants every year are hundreds of local folks just like you. Some run/ride it alone – others pair up and do it in teams. Some have specific goals in mind – others just want to be able to say they did it (and proudly wear the race shirt, which is going to be exceptionally cool this year, btw).

The race itself consists of a fast, flat (once you get over that first hill!) 5K run course, followed by a challenging-but-not-impossible ride of just under 21 miles through Sartell and St. Stephen, finishing up with another loop around that same 5K course. The whole course is packed with cheerful, helpful volunteers to keep you on track. And when you’re coming around that final corner, the only thing that looks better than the finish line is the tent full of fantastic food just beyond it. It really is a great race and an accomplishment you’ll be proud of.

 

Get your kids started right!

This year is the 8th running of the Apple Kids Duathlon (Friday, May 25). As our flagship sponsor, BLEND shares our passion for getting kids started early on creating a positive, active lifestyle! There are two separate distances (plus the special Apple Seedlings race for even younger kids – check it out below). Young kids, ages 7-10, will run about a quarter mile (in clear view), then hop on their bikes and take off for a 3.5-mile ride through the clearly marked and well-staffed streets of Sartell before coming back to finish up with another quarter-mile run. Older kids, ages 11-16, will get to stretch themselves a bit by basically doubling those distances.

Duathlon is clearly a sport built with the attention span of a 7-year-old in mind. There will be no boredom! Plus, kids will love the swag. This year’s t-shirts are more awesome than ever. There are awards and prize drawings and free food and drinks at the end.

Seedlings start even earlier!

Kids ages 3-6 can get an early start on fitness in the Apple Seedlings Race starting just before the Apple Kids Duathlon on Friday, May 25. It’s a short, fun run, with no registration fee. (There’s no online registration for the Seedlings race – just sign your runner up on race day.) And everyone gets a special prize!

Make this the year you and your family du something different. You can learn more about both the Apple Duathlon and the Apple Kids Duathlon at the website. And keep in mind, if you’re not running or riding, volunteering is almost as inspirational! We’d love to have you join us and help out. Just email info@appleduathlon.com to contact us and find out more!