The Fourth Annual Kids Triathlon is getting ready to swim, bike, and run July, 6 at the Trail Aquatic Centre, and this year organizers are adding an exciting new event.
The fun race for children ages four to 12, includes a swim, bike and run, followed by a lunch celebration at the end of the race, but this year the triathlon is looking to get even more young athletes involved by employing a group mentality.
“We’re trying to promote teams this year,” said Trail Recreation Coordinator Lisa Manaigre. “If people were less comfortable with the swimming or biking portion of the race, they could enter as a team. It might give more kids access to it that way.”
Teams can be made up of three kids each performing a different leg of the race, or two can enter as a team if they choose to alternate with one doing two of the three legs.
The Team categories are comprised of seven to nine, and 10 to 12 year olds, while for the individual race, there is the four-year-old division, followed by the five to six, seven to eight, nine to 10, and 11 and 12s. Distances vary for each group.
The kids triathlon attracted nearly 90 athletes last year, and Manaigre is hoping for even more.
The triathlon also welcomes back Easy Rock’s Chris Kuchar as official announcer, and one very important aspect of the race that often gets overlooked is the people who make it go.
“It’s the volunteers that help make it work, we don’t have the funding to hire people to help so its all of the volunteers that come out to help are greatly appreciated.”
The event began when Trail Recreation teamed up with Teck and Gericks Cycle to promote youth fitness and, with the popularity of triathlons growing, the concept seemed like a good fit.
“It’s just a neat opportunity to have kids try the different aspects of the event, the swim, the bike and the run, and try a challenging activity,” said Manaigre.
The event starts at 9 a.m. and will go until noon, with check in at 8:15 a.m. Individuals and teams must register by Tuesday. For more information and for race distances and route, contact the Aquatic Centre at 364-0084.