Most kids, naturally, enjoy riding a bike, running and swimming.
That’s why the unique Kids of Steel event was created. It’s a triathlon for kids aged 4-15.
The 16th annual Orillia Kids of Steel will be held Saturday, Aug. 17 at Couchiching Beach Park – the day before the popular Northern Triathlon that attracts upwards of 1,000 people to the park.
The Kids of Steel event includes age-appropriate distances for each of the swimming, cycling and running disciplines.
“It’s really a fun day, an opportunity to be outside at the beach and a great way to get kids active,” said Adele LeMaire, who organizes the event with Jeff Vibert.
LeMaire expects between 200-300 youth will be participating in this year’s event.
Kids aged 4-9 can pick up their race kits at Couchiching Beach Park from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., while participants aged 10-15 can do so from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
All participants are encouraged to register online in advance, although race-day registration will be available.
Every participant will receive a medal. There will also be recognition of the top-three finishers in each category for those aged 10-15.
But the real focus is on fun and fitness, organizers say.
“Kids of Steel is an opportunity for kids to push themselves, to put the three events together, maybe, for the first time and the distances – even for kids who have never done it before – are very reasonable,” said LeMaire.
“If they just pace themselves, they’re going to get through it and get to the finish line and have that feeling of accomplishment,” said LeMaire. “For most kids, it’s something they do for fun. Some want to be more competitive and there’s an opportunity for that as they get older.”
LeMaire also noted the Orillia Kids of Steel is a proud supporter of Diabetes Canada.
“We are committed to helping kids with type 1 diabetes get active and stay healthy,” she said.
The organizers would welcome some helping hands. They say about 50 volunteers are needed to ensure everything runs smoothly on race day.
“We do need more hands-on deck because it’s a kids’ event,” she said, noting it’s a perfect venue for students looking to fulfill their volunteer hours quota.
If you are interested in volunteering, you can simply show up at the Kids of Steel pavilion at Couchiching Beach Park prior to the races or email [email protected].
LeMaire also suggests motorists avoid Bay Street if possible that afternoon as the young athletes will be using that street for the event.
For more information, visit www.orilliakostri.com