4/25/2015
The Spring Classic Duathlon is the perfect opportunity to pull down the bike, dust off the cobwebs and remind the body what a run/bike/run feels like. The 35th Annual Spring Classic Duathlon will take place Saturday, April 25th at 10AM. This event is somewhat of a tradition for multi-sport athletes in Portland and many see it as THE event to get the season going. Participants should have more parking this year at Concordia College. The race has shifted over to the Home Depot parking lot (11633 NE Glen Widing Drive, Portland), where participants will start and finish the race.
The course runs along Marine Drive and is mostly closed to traffic (except local), making it perfect for the novice athlete or anyone that might still be a little nervous on the road. It’s a great option for the seasoned athlete, as well. A flat course gives experienced athletes an opportunity to focus on speed and improving transition times. The course isn’t intimidating and it’s evident this event has been around for decades with how well it’s organized. Athletes Lounge will be on site again offering bike support.
I’ve only experienced two drawbacks with the Spring Classic Duathlon, the weather and the parking situation. Our spring-like winter has been amazing (knock on wood), and there’s no way it could be worse than last year. It was wet and windy, with sideways rain and wind that took down event tents and made it especially challenging to stay on your bike. The weather this year has to be better.
The weather will always be up in the air, but the parking will be a little easier this year with a slight shift of the race start. With participants parking at Concordia College, there should be ample space. The rest of the event will be familiar, a flat 5k run out and back, followed with a 15 mile out and back on your bike and one final 5k run to finish it off. The course is scenic along Marine Drive with views of the river, wildlife and airplanes flying into the airport. It’s always fun to see all the participants with an out and back, people in front of you and people behind you. Finishers get a medal, shirt and refreshments from Deschutes Brewery and Franz Bakery. Make sure to register by March 18th, to guarantee a shirt and prices go up April 1st.
The Spring Classic Duathlon costs $70 through March 31st and teams can register for $40 per person. You can mail in registration, but it must be postmarked (10) days prior to race day or register online. Athletes can pick up packets early at Athletes Lounge and sleep in a little on race morning. Day of packet pick up will begin at 8AM on race morning and be available until 9:30AM.
If you’ve considered trying multi-sport events, it’s been a few years since you’ve been on your bike or you’re looking for a fast time, this is a great option. A flat, paved course with virtually no traffic, it’s easy to see why athletes keep coming back for The Spring Classic Duathlon. A Saturday morning race, you still have a good portion of your weekend left when you’re done and a 5k run/15mile bike/ 5k run is absolutely achievable. If you want to start your season off with a fast and flat duathlon, the Spring Classic Duathlon is a perfect option.
