West Chicago hosting new kids triathlon in July

Triathlon might sound like a scary word to some adults, but kids ages 4 to 13 will be biking, running and swimming to the finish line of West Chicago Park District's first Swim, Bike, Run and Fun kids triathlon this July.

Recreation Supervisor Mary Lester said park district employees decided to host the event after hearing about kids' triathlons at nearby park districts, such as Schaumburg and Oak Brook. Organizers also agreed the event would help support ongoing efforts by Healthy West Chicago to get families active and align nicely with the Summer Olympics.

"I think as you go into any Olympics year it really becomes popular to do different sports," Lester said. "There's things on TV and everybody's interested in trying different things."

Registration for the event, which begins at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 24, costs $15 for residents and $18 for nonresidents. Kids will compete in three age groups: ages 4 and 5, ages 6 to 9 and ages 10 to 13.

The youngest group will take part in two timed relays in the zero-depth pool at the Turtle Splash Water Park, 129 W. National St. The 6- to 9-year-olds will swim 50 yards and the 10- to 13-year-olds will swim 100 yards.

Distances for the running and biking increase with each age group as well, with a half-mile bike and run for the youngest group, a mile of each for the middle group and 1.5 miles of each for the oldest group. The running will take place in Reed Keppler Park and the biking will be held in a closed parking lot at the park.

Bikes must be provided by participants and Big Wheels are permitted for the 4- and 5-year-olds. Prizes will be awarded to the top athlete in each age group.

"I think it's great to get together with other kids and try something new," Lester said. "It's a good way to stay healthy."

Registration can be complete online at www.we-goparks.org or in-person at the ARC Center, 201 W. National St. If the weather is rainy, the triathlon will be rescheduled for Sunday, July 31.