Please make sure you enter all the required info and choose the appropriate category when registering individuals for this race over the next pages.

Race Notice - 2014 eload/emend XC Duathlon

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!).

Please check www.xcottawa.ca for updates.

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

Course

Check www.xcottawa.ca for detailed course maps soon. The 1.5 km loop and Fast course will be close to the stadium, Faster and Fastest courses will use parts of the 5km race loop .

Location

Nakkertok Nordic Centre (Nakkertok South).

Registration

Registration closes January 23 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: the Fastest (10km) category should be completed in < 1 hour to allow for awards and cleanup before the Nakkertok Learn to Ski Program begins.

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.

Cancellation Policy

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