UK Fire Fighters 2UP Duathlon, March 2014
- font size decrease font size increase font size
What is the Fire Fighters '2UP' Duathlon?
The Fire Fighters '2UP' Duathlon is a unique event which takes place every March. The event is open to all competitors (not just fire fighters) and will raise money for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue chosen charity, which is Christie Hospital Manchester.
The event will be based at Myerscough College near Preston, Lancashire and starts with a 5.6k run followed by a 30k cycle and a final 5.6k run which is a repeat of the first route. This event is a unique format which requires teams of 2 to compete together throughout the event. You and your partner must run together and cycle together and the rules stipulate that you must remain within 20m of each other at all times. During the cycle section, drafting between you and your partner is allowed.
What do I need to enter the event?
1. A bicycle in roadworthy condition (mountainbike, roadracing bike or hybrid). Your bikes will be subjected to a brief check before entering transition, if they are unsafe to ride you will not be allowed to start. Please check headsets,
wheels, tyres, brakes, bars etc or get it serviced by your local dealer.
2. A helmet of ANSI standard designed specifically for cycling which fits you well. You will be asked to fasten your helmet upon entering transition and if it is ill fitting you will be asked to adjust or exchange it.
3. You must be medically fit and healthy, epicevents advise that all participants consult their GP before completing any of our events.
4. You must be 17 years of age or above by 31.13.13 to participate.
The run:
Both run sections are 5.6k in length and are a mixture of canal path and road. The course is flat and team members must run together for each section. One loop of the course is 2.8k, you will complete the loop twice each run. Your time will be taken when the 2nd person from each competing pair crosses the line.
The bike:
The cycle course is 2 laps of a 15k route which totals 30k. For this section of the event you are allowed to 'draft' with your partner, riding in their slipstream to share the workload. Note that the rules do not allow you to draft from 'other' teams on the course, this will result in disqualification. Your bicycle should be roadworthy and it is compulsory to wear a recognised cycle helmet, this event is non-drafting (you cannot ride directly behind another competitor to shelter from the wind) and you must not ride 2 abreast on the road. The course is not closed to traffic and you should follow the highway code at all times, riding responsibly. There will be adequate signs throughout the cycle course to guide you and there will also be marshals at critical locations. The marshals cannot stop traffic and will not tell you whether it is 'clear to go', it is your repsonsibility to check for traffic.
The transition area:
The transition area will be at Myerscough College and all of your race equipment must be left within this area. There is no cycling within the transition area at any time. As you return from the first run, collect your bike and walk to the mount line, do not mount your bike until you have reached this point and take care on the road. At the end of the cycle ride, dismount at or before the dismount line which will be clearly marked on the day and wheel your bike into transition, do not unfasten your helmet until the bike is safely racked. Change into your run clothing and exit transition, following the marshals instructions.
What to do on the day:
On the day you should register an hour before your start time, you will be given an electronic chip which wraps around your ankle, 2 race numbers for rear of your cycle top and front of your run top (number belts allowed) and 2 numbered stickers for your helmet and your bike.
You must show your numbers before racking your bike in the transition area, the racking will be numbered and you should place your bike in the correct position. Once you have placed your cycle and run clothing with your bicycle, all other equipment must be removed from transition area to minimise disruption for other competitors.
How do I enter?
ENTRIES FOR THIS EVENT OPEN SEPTEMBER 1ST 2013
What happens following the event?
All finishers collect your momento at the finish line and prizes will be awarded at the race presentation after the last person has completed the course. Refreshments will be available on the day and a full results service will be provided.
Location and route details:
For a google map location for the event GO HERE
To view the cycle route GO HERE
To view the run route GO HERE
To view the competitor information pack GO HERE (not yet available)
To view the wave start time GO HERE (not yet available)

