The 9th annual eload/emend XC Ottawa duathlon is back! This year's event will be held on Sunday morning, January 25th, 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 - will be available soon at Zone4.ca.
Registration closes January 22 at midnight.
Sorry, no late or race day registration.
Event Details
Age/Category* | Distance | Approx Start Time |
---|---|---|
6-8 years | 1.5 km classic | Check back for details |
Fast | 3 km (1.5 km classic; 1.5 km skate) | Check back for details |
Faster | 5 km (2.5 km classic; 2.5 km skate) | Check back for details |
Fastest | 10 km (5 km classic; 5 km skate) | Check back for details |
*Category Guidelines: Fast (9 yrs +); Faster (13 yrs +); Fastest (16 yrs +). Choose a distance you can comfortably complete at a decent speed because we need to clear transition bins of your classic equipment for the next event: the Fastest (10km) category should be completed in < 1 hour to allow for awards and cleanup before the Nakkertok Learn to Ski Program begins. (If you are in doubt, please choose the shorter distance!).
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
- 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, 2013, and 2014), we've kept our original name.