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Kids Triathlons on tap in the area

By Eleanor Bailey 4 min read
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Quinn Murdoch, 6, of Mt. Lebanon stretches before her race at the Bower Hill Swim Club.

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Katelyn Barnett takes her mark and readies to enter the water during a recent meet at the Bower Hill Swim Club.

This Saturday, the Kids Triathlon, benefiting Habitat For Humanity, kicks off a series of such events in the area. In addition to the race being held from 8-11 a.m. July 19 at the South Park Wave Pool in Bethel Park, Upper St. Clair, North Park and Canonsburg will host races within the next four weeks for youth and young adults.

The Kids Triathlon Series, which also includes a stop Aug. 9 in North Park, is in its 14th year and offers competition for ages 7-12 while raising money for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh.

Since its inception, the athletic event has generated $750,000 for affordable housing and has helped instill the value of community service in over 5,000 participants. Approximately 225 entries are expected this weekend.

“The race continues to be a great way for athletes, families and volunteers to be involved with an event that’s healthy, fun, and a direct support to those in our local communities,” said race director Kristi Webb. “Whether they are actively engaged in competitive sports or just looking to have a good time, each child will be encouraged and celebrated throughout the morning.

“These young athletes have a lot to be proud of,” continued Webb, who is also a long-time Habitat board member. “They have prepared themselves to compete in an exciting race.”

The race features a swim of 50 or 100 meters, bike of one or two miles and run of a kilometer or a mile depending upon the age of the participant. The 7-9 grouping completes a shorter course while the 11-12 division covers the longer distances.

“The Kids Triathlon provides an entertaining and fun day for the whole family,” said Webb, who added the event includes coloring activities and refreshments as well as goodie bags for the participants.

Fee is $30 ($40 on race day.) For more details, call 412-351-0512 ext. 18.

Before Habitat hosts its next triathlon, for ages 7-15, Aug. 9 at North Park, area youth don’t have to travel that far to experience the drama of competition, as the Community and Recreation Center in Upper St. Clair will be the site of the Boyce Mayview Park Youth Triathlon. The race runs 7:30-9 a.m. July 26. Participants swim in the indoor lap pool at the recreation center and bike and run through the park.

Ages 7-9 swim 75 yards, bike one mile and run .5 mile. Ages 10-12 swim 125 yards, bike two miles and run one mile.

Fee is $35. No registration will be accepted race day. Sign-ups must be completed before the pre-race meeting at 6 p.m. July 25.

For more details call 412-221-1099.

The St. Patrick’s Triathlon concludes the summer of such competitions in the area. In it’s fourth season, the event widens the age limits of competitors. Ages 5 through 21 are eligible. The event is set for 6 p.m. Aug. 15 in the Town Park pool area of Canonsburg.

“What makes this race great is the pool and the beautiful terrain, which is a challenge,” explained race director Leah Drain.

New this year, Drain also noted, are the relays for pre-teen through adults as well as a parent race. All competitors over 18 will be required to swim six lengths of the pool, bike 1.5 miles and run two miles. A lap at Town Park Pool is 35 yards. Competition for 5-17 varies from one to four pool laps, a quarter to one mile bike and run.

The triathlon always concludes with a dinner and awards ceremony. While the price of the race for entrants includes a T-shirt and food, their guests and extended family members can purchase dinner tickets for $5. Entry fees are $20 per person ($25 on race day) or $15 per person for two or more siblings. Registration deadline is Aug. 11 to guarantee T-shirt size. Make checks payable to St. Patrick’s Athletic Association. All proceeds benefit the association, which sponsors cross country, basketball, bowling, soccer and cheerleading for students in the elementary school.

Send name, address, age, phone, email address, parental signature and payment to: Leah Drain, triathlon director, 331 Hawthorne St., Canonsburg, PA 15317. For more information, call 412-327-3993 or email aenergys@verizon.net.

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