By KEVIN BERGER, Local Journalism Initiative
Children under the age of 12 can help raise money for Warman, Martensville and Area Kidsport by taking part in the inaugural Craven SPORT Services Splash, Pedal, Run Kids’ Triathlon, which will be hosted by the City of Martensville on Sunday, August 30.
Jamie McCulloch, Recreation Program Co-ordinator for the City of Martensville, indicated they came up with the idea of hosting a triathlon as a way of showcasing the community’s recreational amenities.
“We have access to amazing pathways and pools, so why not take advantage of what Martensville has to offer?” McCulloch said.
Participants in the triathlon will be divided into three categories: ages three to five, six to eight, and nine to 12.
Each athlete will complete up to a 500-metre run, a 25-metre swim and a 600-metre bike ride. Though the children will compete individually, a parent may accompany them for moral support if needed, McCulloch said.
While the swim will take place at the Martensville Aquatic Centre, McCulloch said the run will begin on the pathway by North Ventura Lake, between the pool and Mocon Fields.
The finish line for the triathlon will be set up near Cones in Kinsmen Park where participants will get a post-race snack sponsored by Carter’s Counselling.
She noted that while the children aren’t competing for individual prizes, each participant will receive a goodie bag sponsored by Atlas Outdoor Cycle and Recreation.
Incidentally, there will also be a vendor village set up at the finish line, so local businesses are encouraged to reach out to McCulloch to arrange for a tent if they want to showcase themselves.
Check-in for the Kids’ Triathlon will run from 9 to 9:30 a.m., with the first race for kids age three to five taking place at 9:45 a.m. The age 10-12 race will then proceed at 10 a.m., followed by the age 9-12 race at 10:15 a.m.
The registration fee per child is $15, with proceeds all going directly to support Kidsport.
With this being the first triathlon of its kind, McCulloch said they were hopeful to get around 40 kids to register.
“As of now (August 13), we are already sitting at almost 50 kids, with lots of time to register still, so we are beyond excited to bring this event to town!” she said.
Friends Cali and Everleigh hit the swimming pool at the Martensville Aquatic Centre with a big splash on Sunday, August 16. This was during the KidSport Free Swim, where admission to the pool was free for children and teens under the age of 18. Incidentally, the City of Martensville will be raising funds for KidSport with its inaugural kids’ triathlon on August 30. Part of the triathlon will include a swimming event at the Aquatic Centre.