I know this may not help the frustration, but might perhaps explain. I work for the local City government and since I'm of course closely involved with the local cycling scene, I have the somewhat unique perspective of seeing an event happen from both sides of the line....from the fan/participant aspect and from the permits/insurance/ordinances, etc etc perspective.

Each year, a small group of dedicated cyclists here in Merced, CA put on a HUGE, very popular pro-am bike race, the Merco Credit Union Cycling Classic, which was renamed from the McLane Pacific Cycling Classic this year due to a change in sponsorship $$ requirements by USA Cycling, Inc. Merco CU put up the necessary sponsorship funds to keep the race on the National Racing Calendar (NRC) -- $15k each year for the next five years.

Anyway, because of all the operating costs of putting on the races (RR and Crit) plus other activities and expenses -- a bike rodeo, bouncehouses, food sales, new signs and banner costs because of the race name change, road closure permits and special insurances for the City and County, and insurance premium increases -- the operating costs of this race increase each year to staggering amounts. It's amazing how much money is involved in putting on races and how much sponsorship is crucial in not only putting up the money, but by putting up enough money in prizes, perks, etc. to keep the athletes coming back the next year and thereafter. Logic says that if race organizers don't get enough sponsorship money to cover operating costs, entry fees will go up accordingly. What helps our race is that a century ride is held in conjunction with the day of the criterium, and thus is used as a revenue generator to fund the road race and criterium. Although I'm not totally familiar with how a duathlon works, I doubt organizers of those events could do the same to raise funds.

Long explanation short, and with that in mind, perhaps the costs of putting on the duathlon have increased as well --- insurance premiums are stooopid expensive --- and so they have to pass those costs down to the participants. Especially if the events happen in two different jurisdictions (i.e. City and County, or different cities...each will have their separate fees and insurances).

All that said, yea -- I totally agree and share your frustration, from the participant level, that entry fees are expensive. Like I said, as I see it from both sides, I have a deeper understanding of both the organizers' and the jurisdictions' needs. But, alas, it's a monetary hit I'm willing to take in order to get out there and race. I'm sure you guys feel the same. Yea, we complain, but we pay it anyway.

Happy racing and good luck to ya!
~BikeMomma