The Surf&Turf is a lagoon/land paddling and running duathlon. There's no other event quite like it in Chicago.

The Surf&Turf takes place Saturday, Aug. 11. Competitors race canoes and kayaks one kilometer on Lincoln Park's South Lagoon. Then they leap from their boats and run three kilometers on shore.

The race starts at 8 a.m. at the Lincoln Park Boat Club, 2241 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. (The boathouse is across the street from the Lincoln Park Zoo.) The boat club will provide a range of performance boats - some that are more steadfast than fast, others that are fast but flighty. Competitors must be able to swim but need not be expert paddlers. They can get free instruction at the boathouse from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 4 and 5.

Or they can try to learn in the course of racing - as in fact some did last year - adding significantly to the challenge. And to the spectacle.

The entry fee is $25. Medals are awarded for the first three places, male and female, in 10-year age groups. The field is limited by logistics and equipment to 100 athletes.

Pick up entry forms at the boat club and at running stores, outdoor equipment stores, and health clubs in the Lincoln Park area. Or access the boat club's Web site: lpbc.net. Or call 312-337-7958.