A FANTASTIC new location awaits the Borders’ very own off-road duathlon series this year in the form of Bowhill House Estate near Selkirk.
The multisport event, previously held at Glentress, involves a run followed by a mountain bike ride, or vice versa, and promises loads of fun, a bit of mud, and a few hills. The courses are designed to be challenging but achievable, safe but adventurous, and suitable both newbies and international racers – both groups, and all in between, are expected at the races. A mixture of trials, from wide forest roads to twisty ‘singletrack’ trails will be used.
This year the series will be organised by local company, Durty Events, who are also behind the Durty Triathlon event at St Mary’s Loch each summer, and several other high-profile races across Scotland. Paul McGreal, who heads up the outfit, said of the event: “It’s a great, local opportunity to dip your toe into the multisport world.”
This season, there are three races, all starting at noon from the courtyard at Bowhill House: December 2 – short; January 27, 2013 – medium; February 24 – long.
Entries are coming in thick and fast from across Scotland, meaning lots of visitors coming into the Borders while local residents are also being encouraged to give it a go.
“The series is deliberately ‘newbie-friendly’ and beginners are very welcome – if you’ve not tried duathlon before, this could be your big chance,” added McGreal.
“No special equipment is needed – a working mountain bike or hybrid with chunky tyres, plus some running shoes you don’t mind getting wet and muddy.”
Durty Events are grateful to the staff at Bowhill House Estate for their generosity and assistance with the event.
More details on the Bowhill Duathlon Series, and the links for online entry, are available at www.durtyevents.com