Course Description

Run - 3.5 miles
The race begins with a 3.5 mile run that starts with 800 yards of paved road that leads to the trail head of a 3 mile trail run. If you are running for position the first 800 yards is critical as the course narrows significantly when you enter the trail head, so if you want to be out front during the trail run, make your move during those first 800 yards. The run then meanders through the majestic sonoran desert on a smooth desert trail that gradually climbs 100 feet in elevation to the 1.8 mile mark and then descends back to the transition area.

Bike 21 Miles
The 21 mile, out and back, road bike course begins with a short gradual climb out of transition followed by a 3.5 mile descent to the park entrance. The paved road bike course then follows three miles of rolling desert hills to the turn around point, three miles back to the park entrance and the climb back to the transition area.

Run 2.7 Miles
The second run is 2.7 miles that begins on the same paved road as the bike course, but quickly veers off onto a dirt road that leads to another one of the parks beautiful running trails. Save a little for the finish as this trail has a steep but short hill at the half way point before the one mile descent to the finish line.

Junior's Duathlon Challenge
1.5 Mile Run
11 Mile Bike
1.5 Mile Run

We created the Desert Classic Junior’s Duathlon Challenge, for 15-19 year olds, because of a void that exists between the Tri-kids duathlon (to short for high school athletes) and the adult duathlon (to long, too early in the season).  The new junior’s race is the right distance for the age group (1.5 mile run, 11-mile bike and a final 1.5-mile run) and mirrors the distances raced at USAT junior’s events.


Tri Kids Duathlon
.4 Mile Run - 5 Mile Bike - .5 Mile Run


Duathlon Course Maps

Interactive Maps
-Get to McDowell Mountain Park
-Adult Run 1 Course 
-Adult Bike Course 
-Adult Run 2 Course 
-Juniors Course
-Kids Course 
 

Maps in PDF Format
-Get to McDowell Mountain Park
-Course Overview
-Elevation Profile & Transition Area
-Juniors Course Map
-Kids Course