What are some multisport events with NO RUNNING?

[Dianyla]

I have problematic knees and have not been able to run since I was a teen - I simply can't do the high-impact stuff. I have been doing lower impact activities like hiking, swimming, cycling, skiing, etc. ever since. Are there any multisport events I can do that absolutely positively don't involve running?

Or, am I understanding right that there are tri-teams where each person does a different leg of the triathlon? What is a good way to get hooked up with this kind of thing?

[Morphine]

You are not alone in this, Dianyla. Many of my pals also suffers from knee problems (as a result of over-use during childhood) but that doesnt prevent them from participating in races. There are team races (duathlons, triathlons) where each takes on a certain leg of the race. Look at it this way, isnt this a good chance for you to be really apt at a particular sport as compared to tri-athletes who have difficulties coping with 3 sports for the race ?

[Lise]

You made me think of aquathlon, but that's running and swimming. Takes out your (and my) favorite part! Many folks participate in triathlon as part of a team, so you could alternate doing the swim or bike in different races, or be the bike "specialist" on your team. The atmosphere at a triathlon is so fun, for me, so I hope you get to do it. Take care, Lise

[KSH]

Some triathlons will do an aqua series. Those people signed up for the aqua series will just do the swimming and cycling. No running. Here in Texas, we have a half ironman that offers that.

You can also do relay teams. Which is always a good time. You could find a message board in your area to find team members for a relay team, or ask around.

I put together an all girl relay team for a half ironman last year. It was fun.

FINALLY... you can walk the running portion of a tri. Honestly, I walk most of the way, and I still come in middle of the pack.

Best of luck!

[Kimmyt]

Have you thought about adventure racing? They are often offered in a variety of formats.

[Running Mommy]

The vineman in Santa Rosa has a rockin relay. It's a half IM so you really feel like you "did your part", but just get a buddy to do the running. Can't beat the bike leg for beauty!

[thinpaperwings]

I'm thinking of doing my own: cross country skiing around Trillium Lake up on Mt Hood (7.2 miles), then biking down Hwy 26 to Springwater Corridor over to Sellwood riverfront park (52 miles), and then putting in and kayaking (either around Ross Island (maybe about 10 miles?) or maybe upstream to Johnson Creek and back (4 miles).

If next year's snow season is anything like this year's, we should have enough snow pack to be able to ski Trillium Lake and still have it warm enough, and daylight long enough, to do the whole thing.

If enough people were interested in doing it, then it could be an actual organized event. Otherwise, I was just planning on doing it alone (although two of the legs will include my dog).

-Sara-