Multi-sport athletes and wannabes are encouraged to sign up by Friday for the National Duathlon Festival on April 26-27 in Richmond and save themselves $10 on the entry fee.

With the premier of the National Duathlon Festival, the Sports Backers offer a new twist to duathlon with a traditional on- road national championship race as well as off-road events for all levels. With no qualifying requirements it's a chance for anyone to try duathlon for the first time and a great opportunity for experienced multi-sporters to compete for a national championship title.

"The sport of duathlon has a chance to come of age in Richmond as a result of the National Duathlon Festival," said Sports Backers executive director Jon Lugbill. "The Sports Backers and USA Triathlon are working hard to make this event the best showcase for the sport. No matter which race you enter you will have best of the urban setting combined with a park feel by the James River and its canals."

Registration and event information for the National Duathlon Festival are available at www.duathlonnationals.com. The cost to register for all events goes up $10 beginning Saturday, March 1.