Kids First Triathlon

Since the kids know how to swim now, we might as well put them to good use. Our friend introduced us to a triathlon program (USA Triathon) where they list all triathlon events for both adults and kids organized by different vendors throughout the year. We found an upcoming triathlon event in September at Big Rivers Water Park located at New Caney, Texas which is just right on the outskirt northeast of Houston.

Big Rivers waterpark and adventure organized an event called Kids Splash and Dash for two categories, short course for 10 and under and a long course for 11 and over. The event wasn't really the conventional triathlon which consists of swimming, cycling and running. In this case, it only involves swimming and running. For our kids, the swim was in the lazy river for 100 meters and 1 mile run in the waterpark property with proper marking.

Signup for the event costs ~$68 per kid. The kids got a race swim cap, t-shirt and finisher medal. And the best part, it also includes a FREE admission to the waterpark that day which allow the kids to play all the water slides and pools, floating obstable course, and all the attractions inside the waterpark! This is what got the kids excited. Furthermore, family members can buy additional tickets at a steep discount.

At the day of the event, the kids were so excited and everyone woke up early. We drove and arrived at the park about 1 hour before the event started at 8pm. Went to the booth and prepared the stuff from triathlon packet we received earlier. It was our first time so we just learn as we go.

The kids wore the provided swim cap, pinned the number tag on their t-shirt as well as the tracking device on their ankle. The organizer gave us some briefing on certain things like starting/ending point, where family can take pictures, and etc. Pretty common things. Basically do your best and everyone have fun.

The race started promptly and the kids lined up and one by one got into water and started swimming.

After 100 meter of swimming, the kids ran to the changing area to put on their clothes and shoes. The tracker on their ankle actually paused the time when they were at the changing area and resumed once they ran out.

Now ran for 1 mile!

The kids got to the finish line. They did it! Their first triatlon. Really good jobs! There were snacks and drinks after for celebration. Everyone got their medals.

They also handed out prices for the top 3 runner for each category. Didi surprisingly got third place on his category! He was super happy.

After the triathlon, we all had some more fun at the waterpark!