Saint Paul Will Host 2014-15 Duathlon National Championships

Saint Paul, Minn., has been selected to host the 2014 and 2015 USA Triathlon Duathlon National Championships, the organization announced today. The 2014 event is slated for July 19.

Athletes will have the opportunity to race for run-bike-run national titles in two races, with distances estimated to be a 5-kilometer run, 34.5-kilometer bike and 5-kilometer run for the standard distance, and a 3.25k run, 23k bike, 3.25k run for the sprint. Paraduathlon National Championships will also be contested at the sprint distance. More information on the event is available at usatriathlon.org.

"USA Triathlon Duathlon Nationals showcases the talents of multisport athletes from around the country, and we are delighted to bring the event to Saint Paul in 2014 and 2015," said Rob Urbach, USA Triathlon CEO. "We look forward to working with the city of Saint Paul to create an outstanding event experience for our growing duathlon population." 

"Saint Paul is honored to host the 2014 and 2015 USA Triathlon Duathlon National Championships," said Bev Turner, Interim President and CEO of Visit Saint Paul.  "This event will give us the opportunity to highlight our parks system which was recently ranked No. 1 in the country, extend our Midwest hospitality to visitors from across the country and showcase our commitment to fitness and healthy living within Saint Paul."

Competitors will compete for age-group national titles in the standard- and sprint-distance races, as well as spots on Team USA, the select group of amateur athletes who represent the U.S. at International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Championship events. The 2014 Duathlon Nationals in Saint Paul will serve as the sole qualifier for Team USA for the 2015 ITU Duathlon World Championships in Adelaide, Australia on Oct. 14-18.

 The capital of Minnesota, Saint Paul is considered one of the most bicycle friendly states in the country and has an extensive statewide trail system featuring more than 620 miles of paved trails managed by the DNR. The city boasts 104 landmarks on the National Register of Historic Places, and the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is just eight miles from downtown Saint Paul.

Nearly 800 of the nation's top duathletes participated in the 2013 event, held Oct. 26 in Tucson/Oro Valley, Ariz. For a look at the action from past Duathlon Nationals, visit usatriathlon.org.

About USA Triathlon: Founded in 1982, USA Triathlon is proud to serve as the National Governing Body for triathlon - the fastest growing sport in the U.S. Olympic Movement - as well as duathlon, aquathlon, aquabike, winter triathlon, off-road triathlon and paratriathlon in the United States. USA Triathlon sanctions more than 4,300 races and connects with more than 550,000 members each year, making it the largest multisport organization in the world. In addition to its work with athletes, coaches, and race directors on the grassroots level, USA Triathlon provides leadership and support to elite athletes competing at international events, including International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Championships, Pan American Games and the Summer Olympic Games. USA Triathlon is a proud member of the ITU and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).