Excitement is building for Martensville’s first-ever Splash, Pedal, Run Kids’ Triathlon, with 64 young athletes registered to take part in the event on Sunday, August 30th.
Presented by Craven SPORT Services and hosted by the City of Martensville, the event will give children between the ages of three and 12 an opportunity to experience a triathlon in a fun and supportive environment.
Participants will be divided into three age categories: three to five, six to eight and nine to 12. Racers will complete up to a 500-metre run, 25-metre swim and 600-metre bike ride, with portions of the course adjusted based on the age and comfort level of participants.
The swimming portion will be adapted to suit younger athletes and those with varying levels of confidence in the water. Depending on the participant, the swim could include travelling across the pool before going down the blue slide, using the yellow slide, or going down the red slide and swimming out of the pool.
Parents will also be permitted to accompany their children throughout the race if they need some extra encouragement or support.
Check-in for all participants will take place from 9:00am to 9:30am. The three-to-five-year-old race will begin at 9:45am, followed by the six-to-eight-year-old category at 10:00am and the nine-to-12-year-old racers at 10:15am.
Organizers had originally hoped to attract approximately 40 participants for the inaugural event, but registration has now climbed to 64 young athletes.
While regular registration has closed, City of Martensville Recreation Program Coordinator Jamie McCulloch indicated they may still be able to accommodate a few additional children. Parents interested in a last-minute registration are asked to contact the Martensville Athletic Pavilion (MAP) directly.
McCulloch noted that initially, they had hoped to include a larger Vendor Village at the event; however, there was limited interest from businesses. Several event sponsors will still be on site, and the Boys and Girls Club will offer games and activities for families.
Several local businesses made contributions to help make the inaugural event possible, including title sponsor Craven SPORT Services, Racer Package Sponsor Atlas Outdoors Cycle and Recreation and Snack Sponsor Carter’s Counselling.
The Splash, Pedal, Run Kids’ Triathlon will take place Sunday, August 30, with the course utilizing several of Martensville’s recreational amenities and finishing in Kinsmen Park.
