Youth participant in the Greater Palm Harbor Youth Triathlon.
The Greater Palm Harbor YMCA Kids Swim, Bike, Run for Freedom Youth Triathlon isn’t just another event on the calendar; it’s a celebration of youthful energy, determination and the spirit of healthy competition. The YMCA has hosted the triathlon for the last 16 years, and on Sunday, August 25th, it hosted its 17th.
The triathlon kicked off promptly at 7:45 AM, with approximately 200 enthusiastic children making their way to the pool to begin the swim portion of the race. The cool, clear water was filled with excited splashes as they each took their turn completing the swim segment. After emerging from the pool, the young athletes transitioned to the biking phase, navigating a carefully mapped route along nearby roads. This portion of the race tested their cycling skills and endurance, with volunteers along the route to ensure smooth progress. The final leg of the triathlon took them through the YMCA parking lot, where they raced to the finish line in a spirited run.
This triathlon is designed with children in mind. Unlike adult triathlons, which often feature longer and more challenging courses, this event is scaled to suit younger participants. Each segment of the race is designed to be both manageable and enjoyable, with the goal of providing a rewarding experience that fosters a sense of accomplishment rather than overwhelming the kids. To ensure fair competition and accommodate various age groups, the children were categorized into different groups based on their ages. This thoughtful organization allows each child to compete against peers, making the event both competitive and fun. The categories include the below.
- Ages 5-6: Swam 25 yards, Biked 1/2 mile, Ran 1/4 mile
- Ages 7-10: Swam 100 yards, Biked 2 miles, Ran 1/2 mile
- Ages 11-15: Swam 200 yards, Biked 4 miles, Ran 1 mile
Seth Milbrand, District Vice President for the YMCA of the Suncoast, shares, “It was great to see nearly 200 kids participate in and finish our Youth Triathlon. The gathering of families, community members and volunteers to help these kids accomplish their goals was inspiring and heartwarming. While only a brief two hours on a Sunday morning, it was amazing to witness memories being made that will last a lifetime for so many.”
We are grateful to the families, staff and community partners who made this event successful. Click here to learn more about upcoming branch events and happenings around our YMCA Association today.
Published Thursday, August 29, 2024.