On May 28, children between the ages of 5 and 15 will take part in the first-ever Kids Triathlon on St. Thomas at Magens Bay.
Triathlon organizers hope to have 100 children participating in the event. Scott Fricks, president of the V.I. Triathlon Federation which is sanctioning the event, will be the co-race director and will be keeping an eye on participants for any talented youngsters who could eventually end up on an Olympic track.
“We are looking to recruit young athletes for launching onto the Olympic path,” Fricks said. The federation, which has the means to provide support for such youngsters, sponsors several similar events on St. Croix throughout the year.
The event, being organized by The Rotary Club of St. Thomas Sunrise, will start with registration at 7 a.m.
The first event, the swim, will start at 8 a.m., followed by the bike portion and then the run.
Children can choose to do the entire event or participate as a member of two- or three-person relay teams in age groups of 5-7, 8-11 and 12-15.
Participants can register in advance at their schools or at Caribbean Surf Co. or the St. Thomas Swimming Association. The cost is $5 per participant.
Awards will go to the top three finishers in individual and relay categories based upon combined time for all three legs.
All proceeds will go to the St. Thomas Swimming Assocation.
The event is so far being supported by Diamonds International, St. Thomas Source and Merchants Commercial Bank VI. Additional sponsors are welcome.
Sunrise Rotary organizers hope to have one volunteer for every two participants. If you wish to volunteer, please call Susan MacFarland-Helton 776-1400.
Those interested in participating or sponsoring the event or who have questions, can contact Shaun A. Pennington at 777-8144.
Anyone who wants to do the biking leg but doesn’t have a bicycle is asked to contact Pennington by May 15 or check the triathlon website.
