Delaware City, Delaware once again played host to the Brandywine Valley Duathlon on Saturday April 14th.This early season classic, consisting of a 5k run, 30k bike and 5k run,  is presented by Delaware based Piranha Sports who kicked off their season in style. This is the first stop of Piranha’s Greater Atlantic Multisport and Greater Atlantic Club Challenge Race series and a favorite of multisport athletes throughout the region.  
 
Saturday was sandwiched in between some less than desirable race conditions, but Mother Nature, being the duathlete that she is, was kind to the day's 223 finishers this year. The Brandywine Valley Du offers scenic and flat run and bike courses through Delaware City and the surrounding wetlands. The air temps were pleasant and manageable but wind proved to be a factor on the bike as athletes Hammered though one of the most scenic courses in the area.  Both the run and bike courses were out and back and gave the athletes a good chance to gauge their fellow competitors and check up on their friends and teammates.
 
No stranger to the podium, this year’s top male honors went to Chris Ganter, of Doylestown, PA with a time of 1:19:45. Second place was awarded to Berwyn, PA native Greg Close with a time of 1:20:37. And rounding out the top three was Mike Egan from Newtown Square, PA in 1:22:53. Top male master was awarded to Eric Schrading of Galloway, NJ with a time of 1:23:44.
 
On the women's side, Kerri Robbins, of Davidsonville, MD, scampered first through the chute with a time of 1:32:16. In second was Suzanne Huelster of Riverton NJ who clocked in at 1:33:41. And finishing a strong third was Newark DE resident Kristine Kuss in 1:35:56. The number one female master spot was awarded to Baltimore MD’s Stacy Karwacki at 1:36:48.
 
The 2007 Greater Atlantic Multisport Series (GAMS) and Greater Atlantic Club Challenge (GACC) are a collection of seven premier triathlon and duathlon events produced by Piranha Sports. Series participants earn points at each Series event based on finishing place. Awards will be given to the top overall and age group performers after the last Series race. Special prizes are also available to all Series Participants. Prizes are available to all Series participants.
 
This year saw solid representation from area clubs High Road Cycles Multisport Club, T3, Philadelphia Triathlon Club, as well as Mid Maryland Triathlon Club and Baltimore Area Triathlon Club.
 
The next stop on the Piranha Sports event Series schedule is the popular New Jersey Devilman – Half & Sprint Triathlon which is set for May 6, 2007 in Cumberland County, New Jersey.  Offering something for everyone, Devilman athletes can choose from a sprint distance (.6 mile swim, 23.5 mile bike, 4 mile run) or a half iron distance (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run).
 
Since opening up shop in 2001 Piranha Sports has been dedicated to producing top shelf events which are both family and athlete friendly.  Piranha Sports’ Neil Semmel takes a personal interest in making sure his events are challenging, yet friendly for families and spectators alike. Additionally, Piranha’s post race smorgasbord has earned them quite the reputation. And back by popular demand is the return of the famous hoagies which are large enough to feed the family. Kudos to all involved with the planning, preparation, and production of the 2007 edition of the Brandywine Valley Duathlon. Special thanks also go out to Duathlete Magazine for their support and for providing Yankz laces.
 
 For complete details on all Piranha Sports events, results, and for registration and Series information, please log onto www.piranha-sports.com