The ‘Grit and Gravel’ Sheffield Duathlon is set to take place this Saturday 25 April in support of Sheffield Children’s Hospital.
The duathlon will consist of a 10km trail run, followed by a 20km mountain bike across the Peak District terrain, which will take riders up Blacka Moor, and will finish with a further 5km trail run.
This is the second year that the event, which began through a collaboration between Matthew Wright from Urban Peaks and Andy Liversidge from Giant Sheffield, will take place.
Matt Wright said: “We’re expecting a nice sunny day, and a successful safe event for people to enjoy and contribute to a local cause.
“We’ve got prizes, raffles, a bar, so people should expect a really good, fully inclusive, fun day out that’s doing themselves good and also contributing to a local cause.”
The event builds on last year’s debut, returning on a larger scale with more people participating.
This year’s course has been slightly shortened while still aligning with official duathlon standards, aiming to make the challenge accessible without losing its competitive edge.
Participants will receive their timed chip results and have the chance to compete for podium finishes in individuals or teams in a range of different age categories.
Wright said: “Last year was very competitive which was great. The only thing we ask is that people keep it safe and adhere to the rules of trail running and biking.
“Everyone enjoyed it and it was very close, particularly in the top three last year. It was really good.”
Afterwards, participants will be able to go to The Peacock at Owler Bar where a raffle will take place and there will be barbeques, massages, and music to celebrate everyone’s achievements.
Organisers hope the duathlon will continue to grow in future years, further strengthening its role as a popular community sporting event in Sheffield.
Wright said: “A lot of people from last year are returning for year two, so we’re here to stay. There isn’t another Duathlon in the region, so we’re hoping to be the trailblazers in this area.”
If you’d like to prove yourself as a duathlete and enter the race you can buy your own ticket to race in the event here, or enter as a team here.