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NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTSThe Springfield Area CVB is your source for all the news, destinations and events happening throughout the Springfield and Clark County areas. Stay tuned for constant updates on what's happening around town. 
Great Buckeye Challenge Triathlon/Duathlon
SPRINGFIELD – Approximately 600 athletes are expected to compete in the Great Buckeye Challenge triathlon/duathlon on Sunday, Aug. 24 at Buck Creek State Park in Springfield.
Sponsored by HFP Racing, the event replaces a state-wide series that had Buck Creek as one of its stops. Organizer Shannon Kurek said that while about the same number of people will compete, the GBC will draw people from further away because the races are of a longer distance. He expects competitors from 10 to 15 states will be represented.
The state-wide series had Olympic distances and the GBC h as Olympic and half-ironman distances. Depending on the event, participants will swim, bike and run or do two of the three. The most grueling events are the half triathlon consisting of a 1.2 mile swim, 56-mile bike race and 13.1 mile run, and the mini duathlon that includes a 3.1 mile run, a 56 mile bike race and a 13.1 mile run.
There also will be aquabike events in which competitors will swim and ride but not run.
A MTV reality show film crew will be in attendance to document the performance of a competitor, which GBC organizers said they are not permitted to identify.
Competition begins at 8 a.m. and the last competitor in the longest race will finish in about nine hours. There will be as many as six events taking place at the same time.
Kurek said the GBC is being moved from Caesar Creek State Park to the local state park.
“It’s just a gorgeous venue. I love it because it’s close to major urban centers yet the park is still extremely rural, which makes for great bike racing,” he said.
Kurek said what drew them to move the GBC to Buck Creek was the new bike path that makes for a perfect out and back ride.
Non-profit organizations, such as youth groups and cross country teams looking for a fund-raising activity, are needed to serve at water stations and to direct runners and riders on the course. For information, visit the website at www.HFPracing.com or e-mail customer service at customerservice@hfpracing.com.
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