Dakota County Technical College will partner with Team Ortho to host the 2016 Minnesota Duathlon Sunday, Aug. 21, 2016. The event will start at 7 a.m. in front of the main campus entrance.
A duathlon is an athletic event consisting of running and cycling events. The Minnesota Duathlon features several running and biking races that will attract novice to expert athletes. Specifically, race day will feature a Duathlon, Duathlon Relay and a 5K Run. All events will be chipped-timed races.
“Running is a great sport…cycling is a great sport… why not marry the two and place it in the beautiful countryside of Minnesota,” said John Larson, race director.
The Duathlon events will consist of a 3.1-mile run, 18-mile bike ride, 3.1-mile run through the heart of Dakota County including Rosemount and Farmington.
The race will place cyclists into different categories, depending on the style of bike used: road, mountain, commuter, or single speed. Larson said the duathlon can be done individually or as a group.
“It’s really fun for families or groups of friends,” said Larson.
Team Ortho promotes healthy active lives through running events. Most of its events have been held in metro areas. Team Ortho Marketing Director Besti Sherman said that’s something they would like to change. To expand their reach to new athletes and get out of the city, Team Ortho sought to partner with DCTC because of its ideal location in the heart of the South Metro.
“The response has been great and we hope it will become an annual event,” said Sherman of hosting an event at DCTC.
DCTC spokesman Larry Lewis said the partnership seemed like a good opportunity for DCTC to bring a high-profile event to the campus. Organizers expect 3,000 to 4,000 people for the event. The event will come together through the cooperation of many. For their part in making the Minnesota Duathlon possible, Lewis expressed thanks to the city of Rosemount, city of Farmington, Dakota County Department of Transportation, Dakota County Sheriff’s Department and UMore Park.
“It’s a good partnership that will benefit students,” said Lewis.
To benefit students, part of the registration fees will go to scholarships through the DCTC Foundation. Additionally, Blue Knight athletic teams will receive funds for volunteering during the event.
Encouraged to participate, DCTC students and employees will receive a 50 percent discount. Type in the Promo Code: DCTCDU. Register at
Finishers will receive a 2016 Cycling Jacket and a stained glass finisher’s medal.
