Sport
23 February, 2023
KIDZ triathlon ready to introduce new faces to the sport
The Maryborough and District Triathlon Club are counting down to the KIDZ Triathlon, to be held on Sunday, March 5 at 9.30 am. The event will consist of a 25 m swim, 900 m ride and 400 m run at the Maryborough Sports and Leisure Centre, with the...
The Maryborough and District Triathlon Club are counting down to the KIDZ Triathlon, to be held on Sunday, March 5 at 9.30 am.
The event will consist of a 25 m swim, 900 m ride and 400 m run at the Maryborough Sports and Leisure Centre, with the swimming leg being completed in the indoor pool, before the ride and run will be completed around Jack Pascoe Reserve.
The event is open to all kids from the ages of seven to 12, with an entry fee of $10.
Maryborough and District Triathlon Club’s Martin Mark said that it should be an enjoyable day for kids who are looking to get into the sport.
“We’re really looking forward to the KIDZ triathlon. I think it’ll work quite well with the indoor pool and Jack Pascoe Reserve, but it’s a great opportunity for young people to come and have a go. It’s about starting out and getting through the three different disciplines of swimming, cycling and running,” he said.
“For parents and spectators and anyone interested, it will be good as they can see their child the whole time, watching them in the pool and around the oval as well.
“The riding leg will be on the outside of the running lanes, and then the run will be on the inside lanes, so that we can separate the ride and the run.”
Mark added that Triathlon Victoria have stepped up in their support of the event, providing merchandise for participants after this year’s event.
“We’ve been fortunate with Triathlon Victoria also handing out some merchandise for the kids this year. They’ve given us finishing medallions in the past, but they have stepped up with wristbands, swim caps, sunscreen, a bag and a torch. They’ll be good giveaways, and each participant will get a medal, fruit and water to finish off with,” he said.
“We really welcome Triathlon Victoria’s support for all our events. We can’t run an event without their sanction. We had someone come up and look at the event, and provided merchandise for everyone. At the end of the day, we want people to enjoy it. Some will enjoy it that much, they want to come back and have a go again.”
Mark said his initial expectations are that 30 to 60 participants will take part, which is in line with previous years, while also accepting that other events may also play its part.
“In the past, the event has attracted around 30 and 60 participants, and we expect similar numbers again. But there is a few things on that weekend, there is a basketball tournament out of town, junior cricket is on and other things I might not be aware of,” he said.
“It’s not unusual, and sometimes you can’t be everywhere, but we would expect the usual number this time. If we get more, it’s great. It’s an opportunity for young people to enjoy it. We’ve had young people come along in the past, have a go, and the parents then try out themselves.”
Regardless, Mark says there will be a strong volunteer contingent ready to teach the ropes of triathlon to first timers.
“It does take a bit of time to go through it all to help it flow for the kids. We’ll have 10 or 12 club members and friends of the club that will help run the event, regardless of whether there’s 30 or 80 kids, just to get those plans in place beforehand,” he said.
For more information on the KIDZ Triathlon, email mbtriathlonclub @icloud.com or contact Jenny Barras on 0423 495 768.