DARTMOUTH – Some young athletes started Sunday morning by swimming in Dartmouth’s Lake Banook, then biking through the streets, and finally running across the finish line — proving once and for all that triathlons aren’t just for adults.
“It was really, really cool,” says Rain Myers, one of the participants. “I haven’t really done very many races but this one was really different from races I’ve seen.”
The Epic Kids event is part of the Epic Dartmouth weekend. This year, 265 children aged 6-16 took part in the triathlon. Epic Kids is only in its third year, but it’s already the biggest race in Atlantic Canada. In fact, it’s so popular, organizers couldn’t accommodate everyone who wanted to take part.
“We had a 100 on the waiting list. We sold out three weeks before the race. We started a waiting list, hoping we could get everyone in but there was just no way with the room that we had,” said Sarah Wood, an organizer with Epic Kids.
The triathlon is tailored with distances appropriate for kids, but it’s still extremely challenging.
“The worst part is when I was running, my stomach started hurting and the best part is that I’m having fun,” said Taylor Troop-Robinson, seconds after crossing the finish line.
“I really like biking and swimming but running wasn’t really the best,” said Katie Myers, who completed the triathlon with her older sister.
In an age when most young people aren’t getting enough exercise, organizers are thrilled so many children are taking an interest in the event.
“I love seeing kids going out and playing on their bikes and doing things that children are supposed to do,” Wood told Global News. “Although it’s not timed, they all cross the finish line, and they all get a medal, and it’s just so heart warming to see it.”
Many taking part in today’s event plan to make it an annual tradition.
“We’ve watched it before, but we’ve never been involved, so this was fantastic,” said Evan Troop-Robinson, one of many parents there to cheer on their kids.
So why challenge yourself when you don’t have to? For kids, the answer is simple.
“Because it’s active and fun,” Katie Myers said.
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