15 Jul 2015 Spots still available for First Security Kids' Triathlon

The 18th annual First Security Conway Kids’ Triathlon will be held Saturday, Aug. 8, at Hendrix College.

Youth ages 6 to 15 can register at conwaykidstri.com until Friday, Aug. 7, as long as spots are still available.  

The Conway event is one of the country’s premier youth triathlons for all kids, not just kids who participate in triathlons.  

"This year, we will be at Hendrix again, and are looking forward to a great year of triathlon racing!” said Heather Kendrick, race director Conway Kids’ Triathlon. “We are hoping families will commit to what we are calling a ‘family size goal’ this summer. We will be posting training ideas online all summer long — activities the kids can do with their families to get ready for the triathlon. There will be family track nights, family swim nights and family bike nights.  

“We are excited about the prospect of families preparing for the event together. Fitness is a FAMILY affair, and we want it to be a priority for the whole family this summer. Parents must lead by example and we are going to give them ways to do that.”

Triathlons involve 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 are making an effort to reach out to first-time competitors in this year’s event. We want every child who wants to do a triathlon to be able to do it. We have the training plan and the support families need.  

“Our volunteers on the course will encourage the kids on race day. Making the decision as a family to pursue this FAMILY-SIZE goal to train for the triathlon is a great one that will pay such huge dividends on Aug. 8 and beyond. We want beginners to realize ‘I can do this!’”

The Conway Kids’ Triathlon is an event for all abilities. Ages 6 to 10 complete a 50-yard swim, two-mile bike course and half-mile run. Ages 11 to 15 complete a 100-yard swim, four-mile bike course and mile run.

Free swim practices at Hendrix are planned 5 p.m. Wednesday July 29, and 8 a.m. Saturday Aug. 1.

This year’s event will have a “retro” or “throwback” theme with shirts and water bottles. The T-shirts will be tie-dye and the water bottles will be “mood bottles” that change color as you add water. “I think that will be fun for the participants!” said Kendrick.

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 they are working to finish the race and accomplish personal goals.

First Security Bank is the title sponsor for the triathlon, which is supported by the Conway Running Club. The event emphasizes health, self-esteem, self-confidence and fun in a safe, family-friendly environment.

This year’s triathlon benefits Soul Food Café Mission.  

Visit conwaykidstri.com for more information.