The race was named after Alaska's spring when the ice and snow accumulated over the winter months start to melt away. As the ice thaws, the days become longer, temperatures grow warmer, and ice over the rivers begins to give way to the currents of the Chena River and surrounding rivers. The ice breaks up into chunks of all different shapes and sizes and floats lazily downstream. 

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What's with the duathlon?  The UAF pool is closed for major maintenance this year and our #2 choice, Wescott in North Pole, is also closed at the same time.  So -- a duathlon it is!  

The race will consist of a 3.1 mile run, 13.1 mile bike, and 1.2 mile trail run through and around the beautiful University of Alaska Fairbanks campus.  There is a 99-participant limit and the triathlon sells out every year.  We assume this duathlon will also have a lot of interest, so be sure to register early to ensure a spot.

Our mission is to introduce the sport of triathlon/duathlon to those who are looking for a new challenge, a new way to lose weight, cross training, or to see what the sport is all about. 

How does a duathlon work?

Everyone will start at the same time and run 3.1 miles around campus.  Come back to the transition area, get your bike, and ride that 13.1 mile route.  Put your bike back in transition then head out for the 1.2 mile run.  At the end of that you cross the finish line in front of cheering friends and family.

Event details and schedule

The Breakup Duathlon will be held on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus, starting at noon on Sunday, May 10. All transitions will be at the UAF Patty Center.

Registration opens Feb. 1 and will close when 99 participants have registered.  Those who sign up after the race is full will be placed on a waitlist and can get a race slot as participants cancel.  Those on a waitlist will not be charged until their registration is confirmed.

Entry fees are listed below.  USA Triathlon membership is also required. If you are not a USAT member you will need to buy either a single-event pass ($14 for age 18+) or an annual membership ($10 age 17 and under,  $40 age 18-23, $64 age 24+) to participate.  Minimum age to participate is 16 years as of 12/31/26.  Refunds are only available to those who purchase ACTIVE Refund.  Transfers to another event are not available.  Note:  it is not necessary to be an Active member to register.

Registration Prices

Feb 1 – April 21  $45

April 22 – May 6 $65

May 7  $85

​Registration closes at 5:00 pm AST on May 7

We do our best to mark the course clearly, however RACERS ARE ACCOUNTABLE TO BE FAMILIAR WITH THE ROUTE.

An optional bike course preview is available on Saturday, May 2. Meet at the Patty Center; we will depart promptly at 11 am for a leisurely 13.1 mile ride. The optional run course preview is on Sunday, May 3 at 11 am. Meet at the Patty Center for an easy 3.1 mile jog.  We will also preview run #2 on this day.

• Race packet pickup will be Friday, May 8 from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm at the Patty Center.  USAT card and photo ID are required to pick up your bib.  One day memberships will need a photo ID only.  Due to USAT rules, each racer must pick up their own packet.

• On race day, the transition area opens at 10 am and closes at 11:30 am. All racers, spectators and others – except race officials – must clear this area at 11:30 am.  The transition area will remain closed until all athletes have completed the race.

• Bike racks will be available for everyone.

• The pre-race meeting will be at 11:30 am on the outdoor staircase adjacent to the pool.  Race start is noon with a mass run start.

• Check-in must be completed no later than 30 minutes prior to race start; those arriving after this time will not be allowed to participate.

A T-shirt will be provided with your registration fee.

​Awards will be given to the top three men and women.

For those under 18, UAF requires that they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  For athletes, this doesn't necessarily mean they need to have an adult participate with them but rather be on site (start/finish line or around the course) to address any emergencies that may arise. 

UAF also requires spectators under age 18 to have a parent or guardian with them.