3 things parents should ask for in a youth triathlon

When Race Director Tony Sapp first held a kids triathlon at Typhoon Texas Waterpark, his goal was to introduce kids to multiple sports in a fun, safe atmosphere. After eleven years, Houston Kids Triathlon It is widely considered one of the largest companies in the world Triathlon for kids.

Sapp once worked as an engineer at NASA, a position that resulted in significant weight gain. To lose weight, he began participating in triathlons and eventually left NASA to focus on racing production.

“I heard there was a water park coming to town and thought it would be a great place for a kids triathlon,” Sapp says. A month before Typhoon Texas Water Park opens to the public, nearly 1,000 kids crossed the finish line in the first annual Houston Kids’ Triathlon.

3 factors parents should look for in a kids triathlon

safety

When it comes to keeping kids safe on race day, nuances cannot be overlooked.

“When kids cross the finish line, they return to their transition spot to wait for a parent/guardian to wear a wristband with their child’s race number on it,” says Sapp. “Our staff makes sure the right child comes out with the right parent and the right equipment.” Other safety precautions included adding more cones at certain angles. “After more than a decade of doing this, we’ve never been afraid.”

Affordability and convenience

Triathlon can be an expensive sport. For this reason, the registration fee for the Houston Kids Triathlon includes free race photos and a water park ticket for each participant. For the convenience of busy parents, race package shipping is also available.

Beginner friendly

Are you trying to decide between registering your child for an all-ages triathlon that opens registration for kids and a kids-specific race? According to Sapp, most youth triathlons are better suited to newcomers than all-age races: “Try introducing your kids to triathlon with a short course race. If they crush it and need more of a challenge, look into a long-course kids triathlon, an elite youth event like our invitational race, or an all-ages race.” Triathlon race“.

The short course of the Houston Kids Triathlon is open to children ages 6-17 and features a 125-meter swim, 2-mile bike, and 1-mile run, while 9 is the minimum age to swim 225 meters in the long course event, 4-mile bike, and 1.6-mile run.

“Time trial bikes, aero bars, and disc wheels, which can be intimidating and are safety concerns, are banned in most of our races. However, TT bikes are allowed in the invitational event,” says Sapp.

3 reasons why kids will love the Houston Kids Triathlon

Fun factor

“We invite kids to bring some chalk to decorate the sidewalk in the transition area. By the time bike check-in the day before the first race, the transition is covered in chalk art!” shouts Sab. “But the kids’ favorite part is the awards ceremony, which takes place inside the water park on a stage overlooking a wave pool where everyone floats around inflatable pool rings.”

This year’s Triathlon Festival atmosphere will be enhanced with bounce houses, face painting, balloon animals and more.

Holism

“To encourage kids to be themselves, we added a paratriathlon section, which is designed to be accessible to wheelchair athletes, push teams, and any athletes with adaptive needs,” Sapp says, adding that there is a Splash and Dash Duathlon for athletes who may not have a bike or feel comfortable racing on a bike. There is also Assisted Triathlon and Splash & Dash for athletes with disabilities and neurological disorders who need assistance on the course.

To ensure no one is left out of the race, Sapp created the Athlete First Entry Fund, a financial assistance program that combines financial donations from the greater community with $2,000 provided by Sapp annually. The fund covers not only registration fees, but also bicycles, shoes and even swimming lessons. There’s even an unassisted Splash & Dash for kids who don’t have a bike, and a Ride & Dash for those who don’t feel comfortable swimming.

Return the favor

Registration closes 24 hours prior to the respective race dates of April 11 and 12. During registration, there is an option to donate to the Pay-It-Forward Entry program. One hundred percent of the money donated goes to race entries, not only helping hundreds of kids who won’t be able to participate in the triathlon, but also teaching the kids who donate how to use the sport as a platform for Make a difference.

“This is more than just a race,” says Sapp. “It leaves an impression on the kids that makes them want to keep going.” “Triathlon has made a huge difference in my life and I want to share that with you.”