Despite less-than-ideal weather on Sunday, August 30, young athletes were ready to race during the first Splash, Pedal, Run Kids’ Triathlon, which welcomed 64 registered participants for a day of swimming, biking and running in support of KidSport.
The event brought together kids and their families for a fun introduction to the sport of triathlon, with plenty of parents, grandparents, siblings and friends coming out to cheer on the young racers.
“The event was amazing. The weather was subpar, but it went very well,” Jamie McCulloch, Recreation Program Coordinator, said. “I am very happy with how the event came together. It brought out a ton of people to cheer the kids on; from parents, friends, siblings and grandparents.”
The gloomy weather certainly didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the participants, many of whom were eager to get started well before it was their turn to race.
“The kids were excited about the event; they came ready to race. Some kids refused to wait inside the pool or their vehicles because they didn’t want to miss anything leading up to their race time,” McCulloch said. “As soon as we said go, kids raced their hearts out.”
Feedback from families following the event was overwhelmingly positive, with parents particularly appreciative that organizers decided to move ahead with the triathlon despite the weather.
Participants also received shirts, swag bags and snacks at the end of their race, adding to the experience for the young athletes.
Organizers noted that parents were happy to see representatives from Craven SPORT Services, Atlas Outdoors Cycle and Recreation and Boys and Girls Club Saskatoon waiting at the finish line, interacting with the participants and cheering them on as they completed the course.
Boys and Girls Club Saskatoon also helped hand out medals and snacks to participants.
The inaugural event was held in support of KidSport, with all proceeds going toward helping families in Martensville and the surrounding area access opportunities for children to participate in organized sports.
McCulloch extended a special thank you to the businesses and organizations that helped make the event possible, including title sponsor Craven SPORT Services, racer package sponsor Atlas Outdoors Cycle and Recreation, and snack sponsor Carter’s Counselling.
Following the success of the inaugural event, there are already plans to bring the Splash, Pedal, Run Kids’ Triathlon back in the future.
“It’s definitely one we will bring back, and we are looking forward to making it bigger and better than this year,” McCulloch added.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who came out and supported the first, but definitely not last, Splash, Pedal, Run Kids’ Triathlon in support of KidSport!”
