In 2004, it began as an idea after some members of the Saratoga Springs Lions Club had a discussion with a few members of an active and athletic Saratoga community. The Lions Club at that time had just begun a foundation, allowing the club to donate larger sums of money to the projects that fall under the Lions guidelines of Sight, Hearing, Diabetes, Youth and Community. Thus, the new foundation needed an iconic event to help in its fundraising efforts.

For many, the Memorial Day weekend kicks off the summer and for runners, bikers and triathletes their racing season!  In Saratoga Springs, the water was still a little too cold to participate in a triathlon, so the members discussed and chose to put on a duathlon, consisting of a run/bike/run event. In 2004, our very first year, less than 50 people participated on and around the grounds of Skidmore College. However, as each year passed, more and more people began to join in the contested, yet energetic and family atmosphere the Lions put forth.

In 2011, the event moved over to the Saratoga Casino and Raceway, now called the Saratoga Casino Hotel, as it was outgrowing the Skidmore College grounds. Immediate feedback was that competitors loved the new course and staging area. In 2018, a separate 5k run was added to allow for more individuals to enjoy the experience.

In 2019, the Saratoga Springs Lions Club proudly celebrated the 15^th anniversary of this important event with a new name: The Memorial Duathlon & 5k. This change reinforced our alignment with Memorial Day weekend and better acknowledged those who have given their lives for our freedom while also paying tribute to the veterans who have served our country. Furthermore, this decision to add a separate 5k race, led to an immediate resurgence in participants and sponsors. As we look to make this event bigger and better than ever, the Saratoga Springs Lions Club remains sincerely grateful to all the participants, supporters and volunteers that make this event possible.