Sport
29 February, 2024
KIDZ Triathlon set to thrill on Sunday morning
The Maryborough District Triathlon Club will be holding the KIDZ Triathlon this Sunday at the Maryborough Sports and Leisure Centre, with the annual event generating great traction. The club is already full steam ahead with the planning of the...
The Maryborough District Triathlon Club will be holding the KIDZ Triathlon this Sunday at the Maryborough Sports and Leisure Centre, with the annual event generating great traction.
The club is already full steam ahead with the planning of the event, which will see primary school-aged children from seven to 12 years of age experiencing the sport for the first time.
The day will see competitors swimming 25 m in the indoor pool, before making the short trip to Jack Pascoe Reserve for the ride and run legs. Competitors will then ride two laps of the course (or around 900 m), before running for a lap (around 400 m) to finish.
The event is sanctioned by Triathlon Victoria, which provides assistance with the planning of the event, as well as participation packs and a medal for all athletes who take part on the day.
Maryborough District Triathlon Club’s Jenny Barras said a similar level of participation to last year would hold the club in good stead.
“We are probably looking for around the same as last year — we were happy with the numbers. A few more would be great. We’re looking at getting 30 to 50, that would be excellent,” she said.
“It’s the second time we have held it at the Maryborough Sports and Fitness Centre, and we were very happy with it last year. We’re looking forward to it being a great success again this year.”
Barras said the ability for triathletes to experience the sport without having to perform the ride and run legs on the road means it is an extremely safe way to experience the sport for the first time.
“It’s a safe place for them to ride and run on Jack Pascoe Reserve, making it a good event to participate in,” she said.
Barras was thankful for the support of Triathlon Victoria, which awarded her Volunteer of the Year in 2023, as well as Woolworths, who are donating fresh fruit and water for the end of the event.
“Woolies donates fresh fruit and water for the triathletes at the end of the event, so I thank them for that donation, and also Triathlon Victoria give us some packs that contain goodies. The participants also get a participation medal as well,” she said.
Barras was hoping to get numbers from a wide range of areas around the district, and revealed there has also been interest from Ballarat runners.
“We have had interest from Ballarat as well — the Ballarat Triathlon Club have been advertising it for their members,” she said.
With the end of summer looming, Barras says it’s an ideal time for people of all ages to get to experience the sport of triathlon.
“The Kidz Triathlon has always generated a few entries. We also have a duathlon coming up, and we hope to get a few more adult entries for that as well, and we always welcome new people to come and try, no matter the age,” she said.
Sunday’s event will begin at 9 am with registration, followed by a start at 9.30 am, with a $10 entry fee which is paid on the day.