The USA Duathlon Virtual Run-Bike-Run presented by TOWER 26 raised more than US$110,000 for the USA Triathlon Foundation COVID-19 Relief Fund.
Drawing more than 6,100 participants, the five-week virtual event, which ran from April 10 to May 17, was designed to provide a digital running and cycling challenge for beginner and experienced multisport athletes alike. At the same time the virtual event raised funds to support members of the multisport community adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“USA Triathlon and the USA Triathlon Foundation are incredibly proud of our multisport family for coming together during this difficult time,” said Rocky Harris, USA Triathlon CEO.
“It has been inspiring to see so many people staying active and connected through this online challenge – all with the goal of supporting race directors, coaches, club leaders and others in our multisport community whose livelihoods have been disrupted by the pandemic.
“We look forward to providing additional virtual events throughout the year, as well as celebrating together again as racing resumes.”
Participants in the Virtual Run-Bike-Run hailed from all 50 US states and Puerto Rico. Two distances were offered: a sprint (5km run, 20km bike, 2.5km run) and a standard-distance (10km run, 40km bike, 5km run).
Collectively, participants covered a total of more than 110,000 miles on roads, trails, bike trainers and treadmills — including 80,000-plus cycling miles and 30,000-plus running miles.
The event was free to participate, with an option to donate US$35 to the COVID-19 Relief Fund and receive a finisher’s medal. The first US$20,000 in donations to the COVID-19 Relief Fund were matched dollar-for-dollar by USA Triathlon CEO Rocky Harris and his wife, Elizabeth Harris (US$10,000), and a combination of the USA Triathlon Foundation Board of Trustees and the USA Triathlon Board of Directors (US$10,000).
Individuals may still donate to the COVID-19 Relief Fund by visiting usatriathlonfoundation.org or by purchasing a UNITY T-shirt through the USA Triathlon Store. The USA Triathlon Foundation is accepting applications for grant funding through May 31.
The foundation welcomes applications from USA Triathlon-certified race directors and race management organizations; USA Triathlon-certified coaches and clubs; and other individuals and organizations who have been impacted by the pandemic.
The USA Duathlon Virtual Run-Bike-Run marked USA Triathlon’s third virtual race, after the organization hosted ‘the world’s first entirely online swim, bike and run event’ – the Time to Tri Virtual Triathlon – last November, and the #DreamingSeason Time to Tri Virtual Triathlon in February.
USA Triathlon plans to offer several more virtual racing opportunities throughout 2020, including a #TriWeek Virtual Challenge at the end of June in conjunction with National Triathlon Week.
www.usatriathlonfoundation.org
www.usatriathlon.org
