The ‘Merrell Off-Road Series’ presented by Human Race, is a new series of four ‘off-road’ duathlon and trail running races held in four locations across the South East, with each presenting it’s own challenge.
The series kicks off in November with IceMan taking place in Frimley, Surrey. In December, it’s off to Camberley for MudMan, followed by Hankley Common for WildMan in January 2010. The series is then completed at Pippingford Park, East Sussex for TuffMan in February.
Each venue will host both a mountain bike duathlon and a trail run, so there is something for everyone and each event can be tackled individually or as part of a 2-3 person relay team. The terrain at all locations is very hilly, muddy and extremely challenging.
Following the success of the individual events last winter, organisers Human Race have pulled this four-race series together and joined forces with Merrell as title sponsor for the third year running. Athletes who enter all four races will receive a Merrell jacket from the Autumn/Winter 2009 range and there are goodie bags for all competitors in each race. Merrell footwear is also up for grabs for the overall and age-group winners of each individual race.
The events attract a wide range of athletes; from runners looking for something different, to triathletes, weekend warriors and mountain bike experts, all in search of a tough winter challenge. Mountain bikes and trail running shoes are essential, as is the desire to get dirty and have a whole lot of fun!
Human Race series organiser John Lunt, concluded “These events are seriously tough and not for the faint-hearted. They are however, great fun and present a fantastic challenge for everyone from beginner to elite athletes. Described as ‘evil’ by some competitors last year, they are hilly, muddy and super tough… yet quite possibly the most fun you’re ever likely to have on a Saturday morning!”
