Dear Duck n Run fans, we are sorry to announce that the 2013 Duck n Run has been cancelled due to the mamoth task of preparing for the2013 ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships, which are coming to the Nantahala this September. We thank you for your understanding, and look forward to inviting you all out to the Duck n Run again in 2014. (We try not to admit it, but in our hearts we know that Duck n Runners are our favorite guests.)
Everyone is welcome at NOC's Duck n Run, the most serious ducky/trail run biathlon ever to take place on the Nantahala River, and probably anywhere. Competitors begin by hopping into a ducky (an inflatable kayak) at Ferebee Park, and paddling a distance of 5 river miles to the NOC takeout. Spectators will love the dramatic runs through Nantahala Falls, a Class III rapid near the transition zone, which offers convenient viewing only a short walk upstream of the NOC Outfitter's Store and River’s End Restaurant. Once on land, racers will complete their biathlon with a 4.5-mile run on the Flint Ridge Trail, which winds up the slope of the Nantahala Gorge and then back down through rhododendron-lined single-track. The finish is riverside near Slow Joe's Café, where competitor's can celebrate with well-earned treats after the race.
The Duck n’ Run is an adventure race for those who are out to do their best and get their hands dirty, but are not about to let the pressures of competition spoil their good time. Many competitors choose to walk the steep ascent from the river to the start of the Flint Ridge Trail before beginning the trail run in earnest, and we don’t blame them.
Registration
Please contact
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with your registration or race-related questions. The last day to preregister will be Wednesday prior to the event. Late registration will take place during competitor check-in, from 11am-12pm at the Event Tent.
Registration: $40.00 for solo $30.00 for tandem/teams -includes race t-shirt & goody-bag A $5 late fee will apply to day-of registrations.
Classes: Men's Solo Women's Solo Mixed Tandem Mixed Team
Race Day
Competitor check-in will be held from 11am-12pm on Saturday at the Event Tent near the transition zone. At 12pm, all competitors will be required to watch the standard NOC river safety video, and get on the bus to drive upstream to Ferebee Park. Split times will be recorded upon landing at the takeout, and again upon crossing the finish line at Slow Joe's Café, following the run segment.
This means that the "transition zone" (where racers convert from river gear to running clothes) is included in the overall time—it is calculated as a part of the running portion of the race. Like a racecar pit-stop, the advantage goes to participants that can refuel and retread in the quickest amount of time. Plan on dropping your running gear at the transition zone in a bag or bin prior to heading upstream for the start, so that your things will be immediately accessible when you get off the river. The transition zone will be supervised until the completion of the race. The changing area is public, so most athletes choose to paddle in quick-dry running clothes.
Refreshments: Powerade and Dasani will be provided after both duck and run segments. Competitors will want to bring their own snacks if they need to refuel.
Prizes: To be announced.
Gear: Paddles, PFDs, and ducks will be provided by NOC Rafting, and wetsuits will be available upon request. To keep the race fair, all athletes must use standard NOC rafting/duck paddles. Race attire is the athlete's responsibility—be sure to consider footwear, and possibly a change of clothes to leave at the "pit stop" between events.
2014 Duck n Run Schedule
TBD
Time
Location
Late Registration/ Check In
11am-12pm
Event Tent near Rafting Center
Safety Video
12pm
NOC Rafting Center
Race Start
1pm
Ferebee Park
Awards Ceremony
4pm
Slow Joe's Café
Training to Win with Curt
Curt is the Nantahala's favorite raft guide - and an elite Duck n Run competitor! Learn from the best as Curt guides you through the steps to success.
Click here to watch the full 2010 and 2011 Duck n Run Training Video Series. (Coming soon!)
2012 Duck & Run Results
Congratulations to all our participants!
Erik Hancock: 1st Place Men's (Erik beat his 2011 time of 1:24:08 by 3 minutes and 40 seconds) Caroline Miller: 1st Place Women's with a time of 1:35:03
