Duathlon National Championships Course Changes

Course maps are not finalized yet, but here are some of the key changes to the DuNat courses that were decided yesterday: On-road age group championships - The bike course will have three loops instead of four. Switchbacks and sharp turns have been taken out. - The run course will be all on-road. The first 10k will be one simple fast loop. It'll have rolling hills and will still be challenging, just less repetitive than last year. The second 5k will be the most scenic part of the course along the canal and will also be the most difficult. Off-road championships - Both run courses are new with the first 7 miler over hilly very challenging terrain. - The bike course will be the same one used in previous XTERRA competitions Overall, the changes that were made (less loops, twists and turns, etc.) were done in an effort to reduce congestion and make the courses simpler for the athletes, but also still very challenging. It's noteworthy that Mike Plumb, the Duathlon Commission Chairman and a 2008 competitor said the on-road courses are now 'a night and day difference' compared to last year.