Boulder, Colorado — Building on its success as a low-key yet challenging long-distance triathlon, the 5430 is pleased to announce the addition of a prestigious duathlon to the third annual event. Race day for the half-iron distance triathlon, relay and duathlon is set for Sunday, July 20 at Boulder Reservoir.

The inaugural 5430 Duathlon, consisting of a 6.5-mile run, 56-mile bike and 6.5-mile run, will be part of the newly created USAT Duathlon Grand Prix Series. In addition, race director Beth Spiegel announced that the wildly popular half-iron distance triathlon (1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run) will take center stage in 2003. The iron-distance event will take at least a one-year hiatus.

"From a business standpoint it's important to listen to your customers," said Spiegel. "Right now I'm finding that there's more of a demand for a half than for the full distance." Spiegel said she will reevaluate the demand for the full distance in 2004.

Aside from the change in format, Spiegel believes the date change from late August to late July will better accommodate the schedules of local triathletes. "This way, it doesn't conflict with races such as Ironman Canada and Mrs. T's, and our race will be a great tune-up for those or any other local, national or international events later in the summer."

5430 Triathlon
The triathlon will feature a two-loop, 1.2-mile swim in Boulder Reservoir; a 56-mile bike from the Res northeast to Carter Lake and back; and a two-loop, 13.1-mile run on soft surfaces around the Reservoir. Relay teams of two, three or four persons will be accepted for the triathlon.

5430 Duathlon
The USAT Duathlon Grand Prix series consists of 10 USAT-sanctioned duathlons: one race in each USAT region plus a series championship. Points will be awarded in the series based on the USAT national rankings system.

"The 5430 is the only duathlon in the Rocky Mountain Region where duathletes can earn points for the national series," said Greg Sabo, chairperson of the USAT Duathlon Commission and the creator of the series. "We are looking forward to a great race in Boulder." The duathlon takes place on the same course as the triathlon, featuring one loop for each run.

The 5430 is sanctioned by USA Triathlon. The races benefit the ALS Association, the national not-for-profit health organization dedicated to the fight against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease).

Look for details on the race at www.5430tri.com, and for upcoming details on the USAT Duathlon Grand Prix Series at www.usatriathlon.org.