The eload/emend XC Ottawa Duathlon [UPDATED January 25 with Schedule!]
By:  XC Ottawa   (2014/01/01)

January 25 Update

We're looking forward to seeing everyone at the XC Ottawa duathlon tomorrow! Read on for more race information, which includes an updated race schedule.

Race Course. Please scroll down and have a look at the course maps. You will have trails expertly groomed by Dirk Van Wijk, who will be out there as early as 2:30 AM (seriously!) to ensure great tracks for the racers.

Transition Practice! Need help figuring out transitions? Join XC Ottawa athletes between 9:15 and 9:45 in the stadium to learn some tips.

Transition Boxes. You can put your skate skis and poles in a transition box 10 minutes before your scheduled race start. Please remove your equipment right after your finish to clear your box for the next racers. If your skis aren't in your box, don't worry, we removed them for you.

Cold Temperatures. We hope that a later start (10:00 AM) will be warmer, but will follow Cross Country Canada's rules for cold weather racing (cutoffs are air temperatures below -20 C, and below -15 C for ages 12 and under). However, athletes are advised to consult with their coaches before racing in cold temperatures. We may have to delay the starts, shorten distances, or change the race format, but it will still be a fun-filled morning with plenty or draw prizes! 

If our cold winter hasn't schooled you in the finer art of skiing in cold temperatures, be sure to check out our cold weather skiing tips and cold weather waxing tips

Race Schedule

The 8th annual eload/emend XC Ottawa duathlon is back! This year's event will be held on Sunday morning, January 26th, on the great trails of the Nakkertok Nordic Centre.

The race format will be a skiathlon (but we still call it a duathlon!).

What is a skiathlon?

A skiathlon is a mass start event that consists two continuous portions: racers start by completing one classic leg, followed immediately by one skate leg, switching skis and poles in a transition zone in between techniques. Skiathlons were first introduced in 2003 and are now a regular part of the Olympics and World Cup, and NorAm circuit.

Check out this coverage of the Vancouver Olympics Men's and Women's skiathlon.

How does the transition zone work?

We will set up "boxes" marked by V-boards in the Nakkertok stadium. Before your event, pick out a box, and place your skate skis and poles in it. In the middle of your race (after your classic portion), you'll ski into your box to switch your equipment. Transition styles vary widely (in grace and speed!) and can be quite entertaining: you won't get points for style (well, you may get a prize!), but just be sure that your classic equipment is in your box before you take off on your skate skis. Remove your skate equipment from your box once you've completed your race, so competitors in the next event can set up their box.

What boots should I wear?

If you don’t have pursuit or combi boots, just use your skate boots for both portions of the race.

Or, if you're really excited about this race and have old skate boots to spare, see how Megan turned skate boots into pursuit boots here.

RACE DETAILS

Location

Nakkertok Nordic Centre (Nakkertok South).

Registration

Online at Zone4.ca.
Registration closes January 23 at midnight.
Sorry, no late or race day registration.

Event Details

*Category Guidelines: Fast (9 yrs +); Faster (13 yrs +); Fastest (16  yrs +).  Choose a distance you can comfortably complete: the Fastest (10km) category should be completed in < 1 hour to allow for awards and cleanup before the Nakkertok Learn to Ski Program begins.

In the event of cancellation due to uncontrollable circumstance (e.g. no snow) race fees are non-refundable.

Course Maps

Click below to view your course map.

6-8 years (click to enlarge)

Fast (click to enlarge)

Faster/Fastest (click to enlarge)

Stadium (click to enlarge)

We will have prizes from our generous sponsors for…

• Top male and female in each category
• Fun random prizes (e.g., best transition, best finishing lunge, etc.)
• Draw prizes

Want to help out?

That would be great! Just e-mail info@xcottawa.ca.

Why does XC Ottawa call a skiathlon a duathlon?

The name has bounced around from duathlon->pursuit->continuous pursuit-> and finally skiathlon. Because of XC Ottawa's longstanding tradition of hosting this event (see our race coverage for 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013), we've kept our original name.