Inaugural “Du the Asheville Du” presented by Hunter Subaru

Race across the river, at Biltmore Estate

Registration open at imATHLETE!

At 9am on Saturday, March 23^rd, 2013, endurance athletes of all abilities will step to the start line, hearts booming in anticipation, to compete in the first ever duathlon event held at Biltmore. Are you ready to Du the Asheville Duathlon?! This 5k road run, off-road 10  mile bike and then another 5k run through packed dirt and single track challenges both mind and body.

For the French aristocrat in all of us, this rough-cut, crown-emerald of a race sweeps participants through a mystical journey, back to a time, when the estate might have resembled an 15^th century countryside plantation, complete with a game-stocked forest, working vineyards, and a cold mountain river rushing by. Racers on this day will be lords of the land they claim under fast plowing feet and spokes.

And the seminal moment is a pace quickening dash across the Estate’s signature 264 foot bridge standing mightily over the French Broad River. As racers pump across this stone-hardened trestle, they’ll slice through a refreshing undulating zephyr, forged below in the veins of the ancient river. Crossers are flanked by a dual set of cloverleaf-style railings, spanning the entire corridor, which unites the western and eastern hemispheres of Biltmore’s expansive 8000 acre property.

Corporate Challenge

As an alluring addition to an already provocative multisport event, this challenge proffers you the chance to bring glory to your company’s good name and reputation. Participating in this challenge, whether as a soloist or alongside your colleagues, you will have the chance to earn prizes and awards. We further encourage large companies to have multiple teams as part of intra-organizational competitions to further up the ante.

For those wishing to do this, Corporate Challenge individual competitors will complete all three segments of the race themselves, and 3-person relay team members will complete one of three legs: Run #1, Bike Leg, or Run #2. For more info see our Corporate Challenge page.

Teams

Like sophisticated packs of high society fox hunters (on a never ending quintessential journey for the elusive quarry), racers can round up with their fellows and friends (in relay teams of 2 or 3) to prove their mettle or give the course a shot on their own.

The Course 

Duathletes will start their adventure with a 5k run on paved roads that will be a flat, out and back course starting at the Winery and paralleling the French Broad River. Then transition to mountain bikes and ride onto packed dirt roads over through the west side of the estate, where racers will slip by working vineyards, normally off-limits to the public. The bike will finish with a couple miles on paved trails on the east side. The 2^nd run is for the adventure seeker, as it is the most challenging leg of the race, complete with dirt roads and technical single track trail.

Racing for a Cause

When multi-sport athletes participate in the race, they are not only competing for medals, but also are helping to fund the Eblen Charities. A portion of the race proceeds will be donated to Eblen, which is a non-profit organization whose outreach extends throughout the counties of western North Carolina and through its numerous programs has helped thousands upon thousands of families each year with medical and emergency assistance.

Limited Registration

The inaugural Du the Asheville Du is limited to only 500 participants. Early registration is encouraged to reserve a spot. Registration open at imATHLETE.

Awards

Overall and age group awards for individuals and teams! Plus Corporate Challenge Awards! All participants will receive a specially designed custom race tee and goodies from our race sponsors.

Corporate Challenge Awards:

• Fastest Competition (Awards for both individuals and relay teams)
• Most Participants (company with the most employees registered)
• Best-team spirit awards
• Costume contests for best company ‘themed’ teams

Registration Fees & Estate Privileges

Online Registration on imATHLETE.com.

The race entry fee allows access to Biltmore grounds only for purposes of participating in the duathlon event. Spectator entrance fee is $20. Upgraded participant and spectator tickets are available on race day to include all day estate access to the Biltmore House and grounds for $24. Registration Fees: Individual:  $70 early registration thru November 1, 2012; Regular Registration $75 thru February 15^th, 2013; Late Registration $80 from February 16^th thru March 19^th, 2012; and Race Day Registration $85. Team Entry (2 person teams):  $100 early registration thru November 1, 2012; Regular Registration $110 thru February 15^th, 2013; Late Registration $120 February 16^th thru March 19^th, 2012; and Race Day Registration $135. Team Entry (3 person teams):  $145 early registration thru November 1, 2012; Regular Registration $155 thru February 15^th, 2013; Late Registration $165 from February 16^th thru March 19^th, 2012; and Race Day Registration $175.

Sponsorship

For information on sponsoring the Du the Asheville Du on Biltmore Estate, contact events@idaph.net

The Location

Biltmore is America’s largest privately-owned home. The 250-room French Renaissance-style chateau is located over 8,000-acres that include more than 80 acres of meticulously-tended gardens. Biltmore is a host to around one million visitors a year. To learn more about Biltmore, visit www.biltmore.com or call 877-BILTMORE.

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