As an avid runner and father of a tiny tyke, I always find myself looking for things outside of the run-of-the-mill peewee team sports programs.
I'm not knocking those programs -- I grew up playing a rotating schedule of baseball, soccer and basketball. There is an inherent value to activities that promote teamwork and community, taking instruction from coaches, etc. But individual sports give kids an opportunity to succeed or fail on their own merit, without the benefit (or excuse) of a team.
The Bryant Kids Triathlon is an excellent opportunity to introduce children to the world of individual racing. Specifically for ages 5 to 15, the three-sport race will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Aquatics Center and Sports Complex in Bryant's Bishop Park, 6401 Boone Road.
Athletes will race in age groups, 5- and 6-year-olds, ages 7 to 10, and finally ages 11 to 15. USA Triathlon rules specify that children participate in the age group corresponding to their age by Dec. 31 of this year.
First they will swim in an indoor pool. The youngest will swim one length of the pool (25 yards), ages 7 to 10 will swim one lap (50 yards), and ages 11 to 15 will swim two laps (100 yards).
Next they will bike on paved roads in and near Bishop Park that will be closed to cars and monitored by police and volunteers. Distances are a quarter mile for 5- and 6 year-olds; two miles for ages 7 to 10; and four miles for ages 11-15. Every participant must wear a helmet and provide a bicycle.
The run will take place entirely within Bishop Park, with 5- and 6-year-olds running a quarter mile, ages 7 to 10 a half mile and the oldest group a mile.
Flotation devices and training wheels are allowed only for the 5- and 6-year-old racers.
Racers will be chip-timed, and the devices must be turned in after the race. Awards will be given five deep by sex and individual year, although there will be one overall award for the fastest boy and girl from each age group. Every racer will receive a finisher's medal.
The awards ceremony and post race festivities will take place after all the racers have crossed the finish line, and there will be food and refreshments for all participants.
Online registration is available until 10 a.m. Friday. Entry for 5- and 6-year-olds costs $25; ages 7 to 15 will pay $35. There is a relay option for two- or three-child teams for $60.
In addition, each athlete must have a USA Triathlon membership. An annual membership costs $15; a one-day permit costs $10 and can be bought during registration or at packet pickup.
Packet pickup will be 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Bishop Park. Race-day packet pickup will be available from 6 to 7 a.m. Packets include a T-shirt (while supplies last), a goody bag, race numbers for the bike and helmet, and a race bib.
Organizers suggest that participants arrive at 6:15 a.m. to provide plenty of time to set up the gear in the transition areas (literally the areas where kids will transition from the swim to the bike course and from the bike to the footrace). All gear must be set up by 7:40 a.m. The transition area will close at 7:45 a.m., and only authorized volunteers and racers will be allowed in until the race is over.
Parking is available at the Boys and Girls Club at Bishop Park, with extra parking next to the ballfields. Due to the route of the bike course, for the safety of the children, no cars will be allowed to leave until the biking is over, at which point a single exit lane will be opened from the Boys and Girls Club lot. Anyone parking at the ballfields will have to stay until the entire event is complete.
The Bryant Senior Activity Center will serve pancakes from 7 to 10 a.m. Adults can eat breakfast for $6, kids for $3 (free for younger than 4).
For more information and registration, visit bryantkidstri.com.
Please send tips for active recreation to
cbyrd@arkansasonline.com
ActiveStyle on 05/30/2016