10 Aug 2016 Conway Kids’ Triathlon on Saturday
The 19th annual First Security Conway Kids’ Triathlon will be held Saturday, Aug. 13, at Hendrix College.
Youth ages 6 to 15 can register and find out more information at conwaykidstri.com as long as spots are still available until 7 p.m. Friday. The Conway triathlon is one of the country’s premier youth triathlons but it is open for all kids, not just young people who have previously participated in triathlons.
"For almost 20 years, the Conway Kids Triathlon has been helping kids accomplish milestone goals,” said Heather Kendrick, Conway Kids’ Triathlon Race Director. “We are also proud of the fact that proceeds from our race benefit Soul Food Café Mission, giving kids and their families a chance to help other kids and families who are in need. This year, we are increasing our focus on this aspect of our race — the fact that our young athletes have the chance to do two great things. First, they can complete a triathlon. Second, they can give back to their community in a personal and meaningful way.”
According to Kendrick, a few volunteers are still needed if anyone would like to help. A sign-up list is available at conwaykidstri.com.
Triathlons are events involving three sports – swimming, biking and running; and while the health benefits of participating are obvious, the self-confidence that comes from being involved in an endurance event is just as important.
“In addition to drawing true competitors from states all over the region, the Conway Kids Tri is a great event for first-time triathletes. We make an effort to reach out to first-time competitors in our event. We want every child who wants to do a triathlon to be able to do it. There is nothing like seeing that child who thought, ‘I can’t’ cross the finish line,” said Kendrick.
Ages 6-10 complete a 50-yard swim, two-mile bike and half-mile run. Ages 11-15 complete a 100-yard swim, four-mile bike and 1 mile run. Many kids participating in the event are experienced at triathlons and are working to improve their finish times and place. For many other kids, this event will be their first triathlon and are working to finish the race and accomplish personal goals.
Overall awards are given to the first boy and girl ages 6 to 10 and 11 to 15, and then first through fifth place awards are given in each individual age group. Every competitor receives a custom medal and race T-shirt.
Saturday’s forecast includes a chance of rain, prompting a reminder about the event’s inclement weather policy.
“The safety of our athletes and volunteers is our primary concern,” Kendrick said. “In the event of inclement weather, it is our goal to have the race if at all possible.”
The Race Director will monitor weather conditions closely and make any decisions regarding weather the morning of the event. Please check conwaykidstri.com and the event’s Facebook page (First Security Conway Kids Triathlon) for weather updates on race morning.
The event will NOT be cancelled or postponed due to rain alone. The race could be delayed under the following circumstances:
Lightning – the event will be postponed by 30 minutes. If lightning is closer than six miles away at 8 a.m., using the Flash to Bang method, or if there is a tornado warning, then the race start will be postponed by 30 minutes.
The race director will be in communication with law enforcement officials to determine the safety of the course and the weather conditions.
If it is determined that the bike portion of the race would be unsafe due to wet roads, then the race could be changed to a swim-run duathlon. Athletes will be informed of such a change via the website and Facebook.
Packets will not be mailed in the event of cancellation and no refunds will be issued for weather-related cancellations.
“We are planning for a great, safe Conway Kids Triathlon 2016! Watch our website and Facebook page to stay updated if the weather is inclement. Thank you for racing with us!”
