Race preview: 2016 ORRC Dual Duel Relay

One of the area's oldest and most unique events, the Oregon Road Runners Club's Dual Duel Relay, is coming up on Monday evening, August 1st. The main event is a two-person track relay, in which teammates alternate a single lap for 10 miles total (20 laps each). There is also a solo 10k track race (25 laps) and a kids' fun run (1 lap). The relay divisions are determined by combined age of the teammates, and divisions include male, female, and mixed, as well as an officiated race-walk category. With so much distance being covered by so many people in a quarter-mile (or metric equivalent) loop, the Dual Duel is a great social event, with a friendly, supportive atmosphere. But don't get the impression that there's a lot of time for chit-chat between laps, because your turn to run comes around all too quickly as the laps whip by. By the time you catch your breath and look up, your teammate will be speeding around the final turn and bearing down on the exchange zone. It's definitely a solid workout, and you can make it as fun or competitive as you want.

All teams receive a souvenir baton, which you can keep after the race. Awards are presented five deep in all divisions for the relay, and ribbons are awarded to the top-3 in each five-year age group in the 10k. Note: The Dual Duel does not count toward the ORRC annual age group standings, and the 10k is not part of the ORRC 10k Series.

What: The 44th Annual Dual Duel track relay

When: Monday, August 1st

Where: Portland Community College Sylvania Campus, 12000 SW 49th Ave, Portland, OR 97219.

NOTE: This is a new location this year, due to construction at the Catlin Gabel field. At PCC, parking area 14 has been reserved for Dual Duel participants. Park elsewhere at your own risk, as you may be ticketed.

What time:

5:00pm – Registration opens

6:20pm – Kids’ 400 meter Fun Run

6:30pm – Dual Duel relay (all events), and 10k solo race

Registration: Online HERE. $30 plus $2.50 online fee. (ORRC members receive a discount). Day of race registration is also available for $35 ($30 for ORRC members).