Chilly Cheeks Duathlon
FEBRUARY 21, 2026
Denver's MOST LOVED WINTER MULTISPORT EVENT!!!
CHILLY CHEEKS COURSE UPDATE: As always, there is no pre-race email for the Chilly Cheeks races. Packet pickup is held on race morning only starting at 8am with the race starting at 10am. There will be two waves — a 10:00 men’s wave and a 10:05 women’s & relay wave (you can switch waves at packet pickup if you are doing the race with a friend). Morning temps will be in the 20’s when you arrive but it will be sunny and mid-30’s at the start, warming into the mid 40’s. A beautiful day for Chilly Cheeks!!! We have held the race in minus-12 conditions with snow falling, so don’t be a cry-baby. This crazy warm winter is a freak occurrence, and Saturday’s conditions will be beautiful!!!
Remember, you must have an annual State Parks pass (most of you purchased an annual State Parks pass when you registered your vehicle) or you can purchase a one-day for $11 at the gate or online the night before the race. The pass is per vehicle, so carpooling is the smart way to go! Light flurries are in the forecast for Friday afternoon and evening, but no real accumulation is expected. We will post photos and course updates on the Racing Underground Facebook Page and on our Instagram Page on Friday evening. We will also post early morning photos of the course if things have changed. A pre-race briefing will be held in transition at 9:45am. All additional info can be found right here on this website. We’ll see you on Saturday morning!!!
The Chilly Cheeks Duathlon Series is now a stand-alone event held in late February at Cherry Creek State Park in Denver. The 63rd Chilly Cheeks Duathlon will be held in the traditional format of Run-Bike-Run. Both runs will be 2.5 miles in length and the bike course will be an 11 mile paved road route.
As always, we will provide a marked and marshaled course, fast & accurate chip timing, light refreshments including Jill's famous banana chocolate chip bread, and some fun mid-winter competition in the heart of Denver.
All athletes who enter before February 1st will get a pair of Chilly Cheeks Sweat Pants included with their entry! These are perfect for pulling on post-race or for lounging around the house. Those who enter on February 1st or later will have the option to purchase a pair while supplies last.
The Duathlon COURSE DESCRIPTION & MAPS
Keep in mind, this is a winter event, and although the entire bike course is paved, there may be snow, sand, and/or ice along the route. This website will be updated the evening before the event (no emails will be sent) with the course conditions to assist you in choosing your bike and shoes for the event. The photos on this page will give you an idea of the variety of conditions you may experience in this series.
Race will be contested regardless of conditions - and if the weather warrants we may change the distances, course, or format of the race accordingly, so no grumbling - this is all about having fun in the winter.
2.5 Mile Run Course: The run course is essentially an out & back format on a mix of road, paved bike path and dirt path. There is an aid station that you will pass twice just before mile-1 and just after mile 1.5. Course conditions vary with the weather, so please check the course update that will be posted on the evening of February 20th.
11 Mile Bike Course: The entire bike course is paved, but there may be snow, sand, and/or ice along the route, depending on recent weather. Course conditions vary with the weather, so please check the course update that will be posted on the evening of February 20th.
Warm enough for shorts!
An unusually snowy run course
RACE DAY SCHEDULE
8:00am - Packet pickup and transition opens
9:45am - Pre-Race Briefing in transition
10:00am - First start wave (additional waves will be determined 1 week before race day)
11:45am - Awards presentation
Awards will be given
in the following categories:
OPEN CATEGORY : Top-3 Overall Male & Female finishers and top-3 male and female finishers in the following divisions: Age 29 & Under, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60+. Overall award winners will be removed from their age groups.
FAT TIRE (bike must have flat mtb bars and tires 2.0 inches or wider). Awards to the top-3 male and female finishers in the following divisions:): Age 29 & Under, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+
RELAY Awards to first place team in Male, Female, and Coed categories
Sometimes it is sunny and dry
DIRECTIONS & PARKING: The event will start and finish at the Hobie Hill area, near the West Entrance to the park. Directions: From I-25 Take Exit 199 (Belleview) and turn East on Belleview. Drive approximately 1.5 miles to Dayton (there is a stoplight). Turn left on Dayton and drive approximately 0.5 miles. The park entrance will be on your right. Parking will take place at the Hobie Hill parking lot. Once you are inside the park, signs will direct you to the Hobie Hill lot. Once Hobie Hill has filled, additional parking will be available at the Marina, just 200 yards beyond Hobie Hill.
CONTACT US…
Call us at 303-642-7917 or send us an email using the form below.
REGISTRATION
Individual Race Duathlon Entry: (sweat pants included with entry before Feb. 1st.) If you miss the deadline, a limited supply of sweatpants will be available for sale. New this year: you may opt-out of getting sweatpants and save $10 on your entry fee.
Price including online processing fees will be shown on the registration page.
Sept. 16 - Nov. 30 - $65
Dec. 1 - Jan. 31 - $75
Feb. 1 - Feb. 21 @noon - $75 (pants not included)
Race Day Registration - $85 (pants not included). ***Please register online prior to arrival.
Each vehicle must have an annual State Parks pass or purchase an $11 one-day pass online or at the park entrance station kiosk. Many of you have already purchased an annual State Parks pass with your vehicle registration.
Relay Team Entry (2 people - One Runner and one Biker): (sweat pants included with entry before Feb. 1st.) If you miss the deadline, a limited supply of sweatpants will be available for sale. New this year: you may opt-out of getting sweatpants and save $10 on your entry fee.
Price including online processing fees will be shown on the registration page.
Sept. 16 - Nov. 30 - $90
Dec. 1 - Jan. 31 - $100
Feb. 1 - Feb. 21 - $100 (pants not included)
Race Day Registration - $110 (pants not included). ***Please register online prior to arrival
Each vehicle must have an annual State Parks pass or purchase an $11 one-day pass online or at the park entrance station kiosk. Many of you have already purchased an annual State Parks pass with your vehicle registration.
A nice dry bike route
Sometimes it’s snowy and gray