Duathlon
A full multisport challenge without the swim.
The Duathlon delivers the same race-day atmosphere, transition experience, coastal bike course and Rainbow Park finish as the Triathlon. Instead of swimming, you begin with a two-mile run from the swim-start area before entering transition through Swim In.
Run. Bike. Run.
The opening run and final 5K use different courses, with the 15-mile bike leg connecting them through transition.
First Run
Duathletes begin on Dike Road, even with the swim start, and complete a two-mile out-and-back route.
- The opening run begins on Dike Road, even with the Triathlon swim start.
- The flat route travels out and back before returning toward transition.
- Duathletes enter transition through the marked Swim In entrance.
Bike
The mostly flat and mostly closed course follows the Texas City Dike and nearby coastal roads.
- Long, flat stretches make this a potentially fast course.
- Galveston Bay views extend across much of the ride.
- The exposed dike can make coastal wind part of the challenge.
Final Run
The final run follows the same closed 5K course used by the Triathlon through the waterfront and Rainbow Park.
- Water and park views appear throughout the course.
- The final mile includes a groomed crushed-surface trail.
- The finish and post-race area are inside Rainbow Park.
How the race flows.
Duathletes start on Dike Road, even with the swim start, and use transition twice. Know the route and transition entrances before the race begins.
01Start on
Dike Road
Report to the start on Dike Road, even with the swim start, and begin the two-mile out-and-back run.
02Enter through
Swim In
Follow the marked route into transition through the same entrance used by swimmers.
03Begin the
bike
Buckle your helmet, remove your bike and mount only after crossing the marked line.
04Return for
the final run
Dismount before the line, re-rack your bike and exit transition onto the 5K course.
05Finish in
Rainbow Park
Complete the waterfront 5K and cross the finish line in the main post-race area.
Run. Bike. Run your way to the finish line.
After the opening run and exposed coastal ride, the final 5K leads into Rainbow Park for the finish line, medal, post-race food and celebration with athletes, volunteers and spectators.
What is available on course.
Plan ahead for restrooms, hydration and medical support throughout the venue and run course.
01Restrooms
Restrooms are available in transition. Additional portable restrooms are near the post-race parking lot as part of the city’s restroom setup.
02Hydration Stations
Water and Gatorade are available at the transition exit for the final run, at miles 1.3 and 2, and at the finish. There are no hydration stations on the bike course.
03Course Medical
Medical staff are stationed at the finish and patrol the course. Notify the nearest volunteer, official, officer or staff member if assistance is needed.
Choose the division that fits you.
Most individual athletes choose Open. AWD/Para is available for eligible athletes. Relay is available for two- or three-person teams in men’s, women’s or mixed-gender divisions. There are no separate age-group registration categories for the Duathlon.
Ready to run, ride and run?
Start at the beach, ride the Texas City Dike and finish your race in Rainbow Park.