Attracts competitors from neighboring states
Staff writer
Children from as far away as Oklahoma and Missouri have registered for the third annual Triple Threat Youth Triathlon Aug. 28 in Hillsboro.
“It shows there is a lack of youth triathlons for them to compete in,” organizer Anna Woods said.
Many athletes from Manhattan, Topeka, and the Kansas City area will compete.
“A lot of people are asking about hotels, restaurants, and things to do,” Woods said.
The race is nearly full, with 35 participants registered Friday. Registration will close with 40 racers. Only six local athletes were registered for the race, Woods said.
Michelle Banks of Wichita, whose son Matthew will be competing for the second consecutive year, said there aren’t a lot of children’s triathlons in the region.
“I know of families traveling around the country taking their kids to events,” Banks said. “We try to keep it local.”
Matthew competed in a triathlon in 2009 in Topeka, but the event was discontinued this year, Banks said. Matthew really looks forward to these kinds of events, she added.
Hillsboro’s smaller size compared with some of the cities where triathlons are held, gives the event a different atmosphere, Banks said.
“It’s a nice-size event,” she said.
The race will begin with a 100-meter swim. The second leg will be a 4-mile bicycle ride, and the race will finish with a 1-mile run.
The competition is open to children ages 7 through 14. Age groups are 7 through 8, 9 through 11, and 12 through 14. All participants will receive a T-shirt and a prize for finishing.
The triathlon wouldn’t be possible without a lot of local help, Woods said. Tabor College volleyball players will assist with the race again, and Dean Magnuson has agreed to help competitors with their bicycles before the race.
“I think we’re starting to get a routine,” Woods said.
Local businesses have been generous with monetary and prize donations, she added.
Check-in for racers will be 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. Aug. 28 at Hillsboro Family Aquatic Center, and the race begins at 9 a.m. Registration costs $25.
Results will be posted at http://www.woodswellness.com.
For more information, call (620) 877-7503.