An overcast covered the shore of the Assault Craft Unit-5 training beach where Hundreds of competitors prepared for a test of speed, endurance and strength during the Hard Corps Race Series' first duathlon and triathlon combination event here August 3.

"We combined the two races this year," said Jill Prichard, race series supervisor for Semper Fit Division. "This is the sixth or seventh year we have had the triathlon here at ACU-5, but this is the first year we have run the duathlon with it simultaneously."

The beach was the starting point for the Semper Tri/Devil Dog Duathlon. The categories were broken into divisions, and age groups which were released in intervals on the beach.

The triathlon athletes started the 500 meter swim through the waves around two inflatable buoys. After the swim they transitioned to a 30 kilometer bicycle race and finished with a 5 kilometer run through ACU-5.

Mason Turvey, an Oceanside native said the swim is the hardest part of the competition.
“A lot of people can do it with minimal training,” continued Turvey, who finished first in his age group.

After the last triathlon competitor crossed the starting line, the duathlon contestants gathered in anticipation of the starting horn. The duathlons route began with a 1 kilometer beach run followed by a 30 kilometer bicycle race and finished with a 5 kilometer foot-race.

"This is one of my favorite races. It's local, the price is affordable and the course is clean," said Turvey. "I like the competitive nature and spirit of it all."

Jill Prichard said the triathlon is a popular race in the area. "We consistently sell out or come close to selling out the race every year."

Prichard also said that the course has been steadily growing in popularity with race patrons due to its venue and private location.

"The venue is what makes it amazing, using the boat ramp and the flight deck, and then to have a beach all to ourselves here at ACU-5 is amazing," said Prichard. "This race really showcases the military assets here on base."

For more information on upcoming races, visit www.hardcorpsraceseries.com

Contact Lance Cpl. Orrin Farmer at orrin.farmer@usmc.mil