Atlanta Kids Triathlon Set for Aug. 24

Staff Report

Eight hundred participants are expected at this year's 2014 Atlanta Kids Triathlon, set for Aug. 24 at West Gwinnett Park & Aquatic Center.

Triathlon is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and kids’ triathlons are a vital part of this trend. A triathlon is an excellent way for a child to experience the benefits of a healthy lifestyle focused on daily exercise and good nutrition.

The McCleskey-East Cobb Family YMCA at 1055 East Piedmont Road in Marietta is hosting training sessions every Sunday from 4:00-5:00 p.m. beginning June 29. There is no training on July 6. These free training sessions teach kids about triathlons and help condition them for the race.

The Atlanta Kids’ Triathlon is presented by Academy Sports and Outdoors. For more information visit www.atlantakidstriathlon.org.

Every triathlon consists of four components – swimming, biking, running, and transitions. At the Atlanta Kids Triathlon, kids race against other kids in their same age group. With a time trial start in the pool, racers will enter the pool one at a time. As they complete their swim, they will enter the transition area to begin the bike portion of the race.

After completing their ride, they will re-enter transition, drop off their bike and enter the run course. The run is the final portion of the race. Computerized timing chips are used to track each participant throughout each part of the race.

Triathlon events are Aug. 23 and 24 at West Gwinnett Park & Aquatics Center, located at 4480 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. in Norcross. On Saturday, Aug. 23, race packets will be available for participants to pick up. There is a pep rally at 5:30 p.m. On Sunday, Aug. 24, a 6:30 a.m. sunrise service will be held before the race, which begins at 7:30 a.m. with staggered age-group starts.

Registration will be limited to 800 racers. The number of participants in each age group may vary, but total participation of 800 will make the Atlanta Kids Triathlon one of the 10 largest kids triathlons in the U.S.

The minimum age for racers, as of Dec. 31, 2013, is 6 years old. Anyone turning 16 before Dec. 31, 2013, will not be allowed to race. Age guidelines are established by USA Triathlon.