By Ashley Wilson | Rise Above Violence
Violence is a dirty word; come get dirty for a cause. The 15th annual Pagosa Duathlon is so much more than a race. While people of all ages and abilities come out to challenge themselves on the off-road course, they are supporting a greater cause.
And, there is still time to register — all the way till the race begins.
Rise Above Violence serves between 300 and 400 victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and other violent crimes every year with critical crisis support, emotional support, legal advocacy and much more. Rise also provides youth prevention education in the schools to help students identify healthy and positive relationships, bullying interventions and Internet safety.
With our community’s lack of available, affordable housing and the increased need for assistance, events like the Pagosa Duathlon are critical to continue to provide the level of service victims and survivors need to heal and thrive. So, while you are coming out for a fun day of trail racing, you are doing so much more.
The Pagosa Duathlon is one of three annual events that raises funds to help support victims and survivors in our community. To learn more about Rise, go to www.riseaboveviolence.org. Coming out for the race is just one way to help. We have a monthly donation program and are always in need of volunteers — both hotline advocate volunteers and special-event help.
Race reminder
Pre-packet pickup is Friday, July 8, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Pagosa Mountain Sports’ new location, 100 Country Center Drive. Come out early to pick up your shirt and race information and save time on race day.
More about the race
Race day is Saturday, July 9. Registration starts at 7 a.m. (and, yes, you can sign up the day of the race).
The Dusty Kids Gravel Growler is a great race to begin to inspire your youngest off-road racer: a 1-mile run and a 2-mile bike ride. The kids’ race starts at 7:30 a.m.
The Dirty Sprint is made for beginning racers or those who want to come out for a quick race. It starts with a 3-mile trail run and then transitions to the 8-mile bike ride, all surrounded by beautiful scenery and single-track mountain trail.
If you are looking for a bit more of a challenge, we have the Dirty Du. Dirty Du’ers will run a full 6-mile loop mostly on single-track and ATV trails for a true mountain run experience. Then off to the 14-mile bike section, where you will sail down dusty trails, climb rocky slopes and wind your way through pines and aspens. The course includes improved trails like Catamount, Gopher Trail and Aspen Run. Obstacles not only include your normal downed trees, rocks and shrubs, but cows and their “presents,” too (iåœt is called the Dirty Du for a reason).
With three divisions for each of the adult races — individual men or women’s divisions or as a two-member relay team, one runner and one biker — there really is a race for everyone.
All racers receive an official Pagosa Duathlon race T-shirt and post-race goodies. The top three finishers receive medals. For all your race information, course maps, bike directions, registration and driving directions go to www.riseaboveviolence.org/pagosa-duathlon.
All proceeds benefit Rise, a nonprofit organization that promotes the belief that all people have the right to live free from violence by providing support and advocacy services for victims and education for youth and our community. Trained advocates provide 24-hour comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Duathlon registrations and other donations help pay for emergency housing, food and transportation; counseling; support groups; court assistance; and youth violence prevention education and empowerment programs.
We will see you at the Du.
