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A duathlon is multisport that comprises two-sport – running and cycling in three stages. In simple words, it is made of three athletic activities but across two disciplines. Duathlon occurs in this order: Running followed by cycling, then back to running. It is sometimes confused with biathlon, which is the official term for the Olympic sport of skiing and shooting. Typically contested in run-bike-run formats, duathlons vary in length and run-bike-run combinations. It’s fundamentally similar to a triathlon, but with the swimming leg swapped out for an additional running section. Duathlons generally take place in the autumn or spring but can be held in most weather conditions. Unlike triathlons, water temperature isn’t a concern.


History
The sport of duathlon in the United States hit an all-time high in the 1980s when big-time sponsors, such as Coors Light, produced series that had thousands participating in a single race. Though duathlon slipped in numbers when corporate sponsorship faded, the sport enjoyed resurgence in the late 90s and early 2000s with the Dannon Duathlon series and duathlon races growing across the country. Unfortunately for athletes and race directors alike, the Dannon Duathlon series bowed out in 2004.  Even with the fall of the corporate sponsorships, the US has witnessed a recent growth in sanctioned duathlons. Duathlon is especially popular with athletes who do not come from a swimming background. Nearly everyone who can ride a bike and run can participate. 

The Rules Of A Duathlon

1. Like triathlons, the event is timed from when you start to when you cross the finish line. Time in the transition area getting onto and off of your bike is included, so try to be speedy!
2. Unlike running races, earphones are banned at multisport events, including duathlons. Situational awareness is important more with cycling involved.
3. You must start the race with your chosen wave. Generally, waves are set based on your rough expected finishing time. This prevents the course from becoming too crowded.
4. You cannot cycle in the transition area. You’ll have to push your bike up to the mount line before you get on.
5. You must wear a helmet, fastened up, to leave the transition area on your bike. Riding without a helmet will result in disqualification.
6. While cycling, drafting is prohibited. There is no riding in packs. Cyclists must not ride within three bike lengths of one another unless overtaking.
7. Overtaking must be done on the outside, and defending an overtake is forbidden. You must wait, and then attempt another overtake yourself.
8. You must ride on the inside, to allow easy overtaking. Riding in the outside is blocking and carries a time penalty.
9. If you suffer a puncture or any other bike issues, you must fix it yourself. Race officials or spectators are not allowed to help.
10. You must dismount before the mount line and push your bike back to its rack before starting the second run.
11. In the transition area, glass, friends and family, and nudity are prohibited!