Royal Deeside Duathlon/Triathlon 2014

If you want a good warm up before the World Quadrathlon Championships in Brigg on 25th May, how about starting the season of on 4th May with the The 30th Annual Royal Deeside duathlon/triathlon! This unique race sees individuals or team relays starting in Braemar and finishing in Aberdeen over three stages.

Stage 1 is a 36 mile bike, mostly downhill along the scenic north Deeside road, past Balmoral Castle, over the pass of Ballater before taking a right at Dinnet to cross over to the quieter South Deeside road. From there it’s an undulating road to Portach with the last 3km uphill to T1 at the Shooting Greens. After leaving the bikes with the support crews it’s onto Stage 2, a 10 mile run.

Stage 2 The run leg takes us down through Blackhall Forest through a private estate and into Banchory on the South side of the river. A sharp left after going through the estate gates across the river then approximately 4 miles along the old Deeside railway line. On reaching the A957 (the slug road) its downhill to cross the river one last time before meeting up with the support crew at T2 who have transported the bikes from T1.

Stage 3 Is either a 15 mile Kayak down the river to Aberdeen Boat Club (ABC) or back on the bike for a 13 mile spin to Leggart terrace on the edge of the City.

Triathlon 36 mile Bike – 10 mile Run – 15mile Kayak

Duathlon 36 mile Bike – 10 mile Run – 13mile Bike

After registering and a race brief the competitors are set of in 1 minute intervals in a time trial start. In the small mostly local field the Kayakers were sent off first around 10:30. Followed by the cyclists in a fastest goes last scenario, according to the times submitted on race entry.

We are talking with the Fleet Feet Organizers, and we may well be adding this race back to our Trophy Series … so keep posted for updates to our Events page for more information.