Richmond, VA is solidifying its case as the hotbed of duathlon in the United States, thanks to recent moves to bring major national and international events to the city.

The latest step is an agreement between USA Triathlon (USAT) and Metropolitan Richmond Sports Backers to create the National Duathlon Festival, a multi-day event that will feature the USAT Short Course Duathlon National Championships and USAT Duathlon Junior National Championships in 2008, 2009, and 2010.

Also part of the festival will be the Duathlon Off-Road Championships, two citizen's races (one off-road), expert performance classes and an Industry Expo.

"The USAT National Duathlon Festival will put the sport of duathlon in the spotlight and will provide a premier competitive event experience for elite duathlon competitors as well as junior and age group participants," said Skip Gilbert, executive director of USA Triathlon.

This agreement comes as Richmond prepares to host the McDonald's ITU Duathlon Long Course World Championships this fall.

"We are very pleased that Richmond has been chosen to host this premier athletic competition. In addition to bringing another great athletic event to our city for Richmonders to enjoy, this gives us yet another opportunity to showcase not only our city, but also our fabulous James River Park System," said J.R Pope, director of Richmond's Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities.

There will be a total of $10,000 of prize money for the elite national championships and, while an emphasis on the quality of the competition venues and format will be a priority, the added amenities to the event will help to make the National Duathlon Festival an event to remember, said Jon Lugbill, executive director of Richmond Sports Backers, the group organizing the event.

Live music as the competitors come across the finish line, interactive activities for the spectators, a professional finish line announcer, and great post- race food will be highlights. In addition, the Sports Backers will work with area community organizations to have a non-sports-related festival take place in the afternoon and evening both on Saturday and Sunday to add to the celebratory environment.

The same start, finish and transition area as the World Championships will be used and a closed bike course very similar to the World Championship course will be challenging and technical but easy enough for the citizen's races. The downtown Richmond location allows for a proven off-road duathlon location, having hosted the past eight XTERRA East Coast Championships at this site. The location is also easy walking distance from downtown hotels, restaurants, and parking.

"The national championships coming to Richmond will be a tremendous boost for the sport of duathlon," said Tom Jeffrey, a Richmond native and the 2006 USAT Duathlon Long Course National Champion. "When the Sports Backers get behind something it is always impressive. If you look at the events they have promoted, from the Richmond Marathon to the Monument Avenue 10K; they are first class. With a downtown venue, you can expect an exciting course that has a little bit of everything, some hills, technical corners, and fast sections; it will be a real test. You can be assured that with the race organization and unique venue. This will be more than just a race; it will be an event worthy of a National Championship."