Hawaii County’s Department of Parks and Recreation and the Hawai’i Isle Police Activities League are teaming up to hold a Keiki Triathlon on Saturday, Oct. 20, at the Kona Community Aquatic Center and Makaeo Park in Kailua-Kona. Hawaii County’s Department
Hawaii County’s Department of Parks and Recreation and the Hawai‘i Isle Police Activities League are teaming up to hold a Keiki Triathlon on Saturday, Oct. 20, at the Kona Community Aquatic Center and Makaeo Park in Kailua-Kona.
Children between the ages of 7 and 14 years old are invited to race in swimming, bicycling and running events similar to the Ford Ironman World Championship that will be held one week earlier.
“We’ve designed a safe and exciting course that will challenge the children’s fitness levels,” Parks Director Bob Fitzgerald said. “This is a great opportunity for the next generation of triathletes to compete in the same environment that for years has tested the world’s best triathletes.”
There will be a $5 per-child entrance fee. Applications are available from noon to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday at the following locations: Yano Hall in Captain Cook; Kekuaokalani Gym in Kailua-Kona; Pu‘u Nui Park in Waikoloa; Waimea Community Center; and Kamehameha Park in Kapaau.
To ensure the athletes’ safety, enrollment will be limited to the first 30 children who sign up in each of the four age-group categories or a maximum 120 total racers. All participants must supply their own bicycle, helmet, swim goggles and other equipment.
Racers must check in between 7 and 8:30 a.m. on race day Oct. 20. The youngest children will start the triathlon by entering the Kona Community Aquatics Center pool promptly at 8:30 a.m.
Individual events will consist of a 100-yard swim, 3.2-mile bicycle course and a mile-long run for all but the 7- and 8-year-old children, who will race half those distances.
Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers, both boys and girls, in each age category, while all finishers will receive commemorative certificates.
The Keiki Triathlon will be combined with Mayor Billy Kenoi’s 2012 Health Fest. Designed to promote public health and wellness, the 2nd Annual Health Fest will feature a fun run/walk, Zumba classes, tai chi, keiki activities, bicycle safety training, and informational displays promoting good nutrition, diet and exercise practices.
For more information, contact Jason Armstrong, Public Information Officer, at 345-9105 or jarmstrong@co.hawaii.hi.us.