Mini-triathlon for kids in the works for park district

Last summer, the Arlington Heights Park District staff taught swimming to more than 8,000 children in the community, while another 700 swam competitively on its different swim teams.

Now aquatics officials are trying an event that is designed to be an extension of all this interest in swimming -- a triathlon geared for children.

Called the Whipper Snapper One Lapper, it will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. April 19 at Olympic Indoor Pool, 660 N. Ridge Ave. in Arlington Heights.

That's where children ages 6-13 will find events designed with different distances according to the four age groups. The swim will range from 50 yards or two laps for younger children, up to 200 yards, or eight laps for older kids.

The bike part of the event will take place on a course laid out through the neighborhood just north and west of the pool, ranging from one mile for younger riders to two miles for older children.

Running makes up the last part of the event, and park officials are still laying that out, but they expect it to be a half-mile for the youngest participants, and up to two miles for the older ones.

"We're hoping this becomes a family event, where parents can volunteer as timers in the pool, out on the closed streets, and in transition areas helping racers," says Steve Neill, aquatics director.

Area businesses like the idea and have stepped up as sponsors, including Whole Foods Market in Palatine, which will provide energy snacks and water, while another merchant will provide T-shirts.

All those entering must provide their own bike and helmet; however, Peter Barson of the new Campbell Street Bicycle Shop has agreed to do pre-race bike checks for all those registered.

Another downtown merchant, Mark Rouse of Runners High 'n' Tri, will have the race packets with bib numbers for participants in his store located at 121 W. Campbell St. in Arlington Heights.

"This promotes fun and fitness," Rouse says, "and just exposes them to what a triathlon is like. But the whole idea is to have fun, as its name suggests."

For more information, call Olympic Pool at (847) 577-3025. Register for the event at any of the park district's community centers or online at www.ahpd.org.