Kids Triathlon set for July 23 in South Park

When an organization has done something successfully for 16 years, then it doesn’t temp fate by making many alterations to the game plan.
Such is the case with the Habitat For Humanity’s Kid Triathlon, which will be held at 8 a.m. July 23 at the South Park Wave Pool.
“What’s exciting is that nothing is new,” race director Kristi Webb said. “We are lucky to have a long-standing, well-supported race with returning sponsors and partners.”
While organizers spend “a lot of time brainstorming” new sponsor partnerships, all funds raised from the race goes towards Habitat For Humanity, which provides affordable housing to deserving families in the Pittsburgh area. “So,” Webb said, “we strive to grow our sponsorship each year.”
Since its inception in 2000, the Kids Triathlon Series, which now includes a race Aug. 6 in North Park, has raised over $800,000 for Habitat and has helped instill the value of community service in more than 5,000 race participants, ages 7-12.
After 10 years as race director, Webb said, “I love the marriage of accomplishment and community service that the race provides.”
While the athletes pay a $30 registration fee ($40 on race day) to compete, some raise additional funding for Habitat by seeking sponsors. They ask friends, family and neighbors for pledges. Most, however, are there to compete.
Children ages 7-9 complete a course that includes a 50-meter swim, 1.5-mile bike and half-mile run. Distances for ages 10-12 are nearly double: 100-meter swim, 2.4-mile bike and mile run. Trophies are awarded to winners in each age bracket, and all athletes who finish receive a triathlon medal.
“I have really come to appreciate the confidence that finishing this race builds in our young athletes,” Webb said.
“Our races are competitive but they are also fun,” she added. “We have heard that many athletes can attend our races because they are challenged by the competition. We also hear that our race if family-oriented and fun, which makes it a good place for beginners.”
The Kids Triathlon is also a good place to garner encouragement from event workers, who play key roles in making the event a success.
“I love our team of volunteers,” Webb said. “They believe in Habitat’s mission and they care about seeing these kids cross the finish line safely. We have a lot of fun together.
“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. They have prepared themselves to compete in an exciting race and they are contributing to something that directly supports those in their local communities.”
The Kids Triathlon is the biggest fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh, which is celebrating its 30 anniversary.
“Habitat does a lot of good in our local area,” Webb said. “Our mission motivates people to get involved.”
The Kids Triathlon kicks off a month of similar events in the region. On July 30, the Community and Recreation Center in Upper St. Clair will host the Boyce-Mayview Triathlon for children ages 7-12. Fee is $35. For more details, call 412-221-1099.
The North Park Kids Triathlon on Aug. 6 permits participants up to age 15. Ages 7-9 complete a 50-meter swim, 1.5-mile bike and half-mile run. Ages 10-12 race 100 meters in the pool, 2.4 miles on the cycling course and one mile on the road. Distances for ages 13-15 are 400 meters for swimming, seven miles of biking and two miles of running. Visit www.kidstriathlon.org to register.