The Woodlands Family YMCA Kids Triathlon 2016 slated for July 23

THE WOODLANDS, Texas — The Woodlands Family YMCA is hosting the Annual YMCA Kids Triathlon on Saturday, July 23, 7:30 am at the Branch Crossing location. Children, ages 5 – 12, (as of Dec. 31, 2016) are eligible to register and experience the fun and excitement of triathlon. It’s a morning of friendly competition and physical activity that can lead to a lifetime of fitness. The event is designed for all levels. Former triathlon experience is not required.

Presented by Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands, the Kids Triathlon benefits the YMCA Annual Campaign, which ensures everyone, regardless of age, income or background has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive at the Y.

Triathlon is an exciting sport for young children because it involves three activities that every child enjoys – swimming, cycling and running. Triathlon is an individual event with segments running consecutively until all three elements are completed.

Distances will vary per age group. Children ages 5 – 9 years will swim 50 meters, cycle for 1 mile and run a quarter mile. Children, ages 10 – 12 will swim 100 meters, cycle for 2 miles and run a half mile. All participants must provide their own bikes. Helmets must be worn for the bike course and shoes must be worn for the bike and run courses.

The 2016 event will feature chip timing for faster and more accurate finish line results. The event features eight age divisions: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 years. Boys and girls will compete separately in their age groups. The top three finishers, male and female, in each age group will receive a special award. All participants will receive a goodie bag, t-shirt and finisher medal at the conclusion of their races.

Race day check-in begins at 5:45 am at Branch Crossing, located at 8100 Ashlane Way, in The Woodlands. All participants are encouraged to arrive no later than 6:30 am to park, unload equipment, check in, ready their transition area and review the course. At check-in, triathletes will receive race numbers, a chip, a t-shirt, instructions, a course map and will be body marked. Please remember, parents are not allowed in transition area once the race begins.

For more information and online registration visit ymcahouston.org/ymca-kids-tri. Sponsor and volunteer opportunities still available. For more information contact Roxanne Davis at 281-367- 9622 ext. 230.