The Fat Tire Trail Duathlon
Lake County's first and only trail Duathlon
Sunday, September 28 at 7:45 a.m.


Deerfield/Libertyville, IL –Mark your calendar for the first annual Fat Tire Trail Duathlon, set for Sunday, September 28 in the extraordinary setting of Libertyville's Independence Grove Forest Preserve.  Athletes of every level are invited to register to cycle the 20K/12.4 mile crushed gravel trail course and then transition to the 5K/3.1 mile run.  

The Fat Tire Trail Duathlon is designed to showcase the natural beauty of the Lake County Forest Preserve, while providing participants a unique off-road racing experience, all under the direction of event creators and Deerfield Cyclery owners the Balmes family.  "We value the area in which we live, and have envisioned giving people the opportunity to relish our natural resources through sport.  We are elated to be hosting the first ever Fat Tire Trail Duathlon and look forward to welcoming first-time participants, as well as experienced racers, to the event," says Greg Balmes, a certified USA Cycling Coach.  

Duathlon events are increasingly popular and as Lake County's only trail Duathlon, the Fat Tire promises participants two naturally spectacular courses within the confines of Independence Grove.

Run Description:

The first event, is the scenic single-loop course that will leave the Transition area with runners heading out and around the Independence Grove Bays. There will be two aid stations and a staffed hydration station along the 5K/3.1 mile trail course.  

Bike Description:

The out and back 20K/12.4 mile course will leave the Transition area in the heart of Independence Grove, near the Visitors' Center. Cyclists will ride the beautiful crushed gravel trail on a course that heads out to the north, parallel to River Road, and doubles back along the same route, parallel to the site's lake on treelined trails.  The course will feature directional signage and course marshals for easy navigation.  A copy of the most up to date course map will be available on the event's official web site, one week prior to the event.

Athletes and spectators will have full access to the Independence Grove on-site facilities, including locker rooms, bathrooms and free parking, beginning at 5:30 a.m. on September 28.  The official Transition area for athletes will open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 a.m., to allow plenty of time for participant preparation and to ensure an on-time start at 7:45 a.m. Athletes ages 11 and up are welcome to participate in this fully sanctioned event.
A portion of the proceeds from the Fat Tire Duathlon will directly benefit Make-A-Wish Illinois and a local charity, Oasis for Orphans.  

Registration is open now at www.fattiretrailduathlon.com along with complete event information.  
Advance registration is required.  Volunteers are also welcome to sign up, via the event's web site.

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Contact information here:

Holly Gilson/Precision Multisport (773) 965-9048 and hollygilson@me.com

Greg Balmes/Deerfield Cyclery (847) 945-0700