May 29, 2025
SIU’s Saluki Triathlon/Duathlon is June 14; signup is underway
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Sign up now for the Saluki Triathlon and Duathlon, a popular competition on June 14 on Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s beautiful campus for experienced athletes and novices alike.
Participants in the fifth annual Recreational Sports and Services Saluki Triathlon will be swimming, cycling and running competitively as individuals. There’s also a concurrent bike and run duathlon, which was added in 2023 for younger participants.
Options for all
The triathlon features a 0.2-mile swim in Campus Lake, a 5-mile bicycle ride around the southwest side of campus and a 2-mile run on the trail circling the lake. Any individual age 12 or older may participate.
The duathlon will take place at the same time, without swimming. Instead, it begins with a 2-mile run/walk around campus, followed by a 5-mile bike ride and concludes with another 2-mile run/walk around Campus Lake. The duathlon is open to all ages; children age 8 or younger can participate for free.
Both events begin at 8 a.m.
Sign up now
Advance registration is open now. The cost is $35 for the triathlon or $25 for the duathlon, in addition to a nominal online registration fee.
SIU students can save $10 for either of the races by using the code salukitri10.
There are a limited number of spots for each race, so early registration is suggested. Online or walk-up registrations will be accepted at the race up until 7:59 a.m. as space allows.
Winners will earn prizes
All race winners will receive medals. For the triathlon, the top three competitors in each group within each division will receive an award. The top three competitors overall in the duathlon will receive medals.
Race divisions are:
- Triathlon Sprint; age groups within each division are 12-15, 16-18, 19-25, 26-30, 31-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70+.
- Male
- Female
- Nonbinary
- Duathlon Spring Solo
The awards will be presented about a half-hour after the last contestant completes the competition.
The races begin and end at the Becker Pavilion on Campus Lake, which was totally renovated a few years ago. Although public swimming isn’t typically available on the lake, a small sandy beach area next to the pavilion accommodates events such as the Saluki Triathlon and the annual Cardboard Boat Regatta.
Competitors are asked to bring their own bicycles.
Volunteer assistants needed
Organizers are also seeking volunteers to assist with the Saluki Triathlon/Duathlon. Helpers will provide directions and work in other ways assure the safety of participants during the bicycling and running phases of the event. About 16 volunteers are needed. Sign up online to assist.
Learn more
Find complete details about the Saluki Triathlon/Duathlon, along with registration, course maps, parking information and more at rec.siu.edu/events/saluki-triathlon.php. For information, contact Victor Martin, program director for Recreational Sports and Services, at victor.martin@siu.edu or 618-453-1284.