JD Duathlon Series: Race 4 - Southbridge 2026

Race 4 at Southbridge marks the final round of the JD Duathlon Series, held at Southbridge Rugby Grounds, approximately 45 minutes from central Christchurch. This run-bike-run event utilizes flat rural roads and adjacent footpaths. It includes categories for open athletes, teams, juniors, youth, novices, para athletes, and children. For regular series competitors, this final round is significant as results award extra points, positioning the day as both an accessible entry-level duathlon and the series' deciding event. The open and teams race presents the longest distance in the series: a 3.1km run, a 28km bike leg, and a final 4.5km run. Teams have the option to divide the running and cycling legs among members. The shorter novice, youth, junior, and para race consists of a 1.7km run, a 9.4km bike leg, and a concluding 1.7km run. The children's event is contained within the rugby grounds on grass. The run course follows a rectangular lap of about 1.4km, and the bike course is a flat 9.4km on-road loop, with no-drafting rules enforced during the cycling portion. The series prizegiving will take place later at the Cashmere Club, reinforcing the Southbridge round's role as a clear closing event.