Registration opens October 17 at 9 a.m. for the Blackwater Duathlon

Columbia, Md. – TriColumbia, the Mid-Atlantic’s premier endurance event production company, announced today the inaugural Blackwater Duathlon will take place June 3, 2012 in Cambridge, Md. The duathlon will consist of a 10K run, 70K bike and 10K run, and has been chosen as the 2012 USA Triathlon (USAT) National Long Course Duathlon Championship.

The Blackwater Duathlon course will travel through portions of the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Cambridge, Md., which covers more than 27,000 acres of woodland, tidal march, freshwater ponds and managed cropland. The refuge is home to migrating ducks and geese, as well as endangered and threatened species, including the Bald Eagle and Delmarva Fox Squirrel.

The Blackwater Duathlon will provide a challenging course, with two 6.2 mile runs and a two-loop, windy 43.4 mile bike. According to USAT, the U.S. has witnessed a substantial resurgence in duathlon participation in recent years, as it is especially popular among athletes who do not come from a swimming background. In 2008, there were more than 400 sanctioned duathlons in 48 states. The 2011 USAT National Long Course Duathlon Championship was held in Pelham, Alabama, in conjunction with the Powerman Alabama Duathlon.

“We are excited and honored to have the opportunity to produce this unique event in beautiful and historic Cambridge throughout the Blackwater Wildlife Refuge,” said Robert Vigorito, President and founder of TriColumbia. “Offering a duathlon gives us the ability to open up to athletes who whose strengths are biking and running. We look forward to a successful and rewarding race in 2012, with many more to follow.”

Registration for the 2012 Blackwater Duathlon opens Monday, October 17, 2011 at 9 a.m. and is open to 750 participants. Registration is $125 per individual and $200 for a two person team relay. The prize purse is $4,999, and will be open to all competitors except relays. For more information and to register for the Blackwater Duathlon, visit TriColumbia.org, email info@TriColumbia.org or call 410-964-1246.

About TriColumbia
TriColumbia is a 501 (C)(3) nonprofit and the Mid-Atlantic’s premier endurance event production company providing an array of events for all ability levels across the triathlon/multisport continuum. Founded by current president, race director and 6-time Ironman Kona finisher, Robert Vigorito in 1983, the organization makes a difference for participating athletes by providing superior events and memories to last a lifetime, but also gives back to the community by supporting many local and regional charities, which provide a full spectrum of support for citizens in need. For more, visit TriColumbia.org.

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