Youth triathlon attracts 400 kids

COEUR d'ALENE - There will be no timing clock. There will be no finishing places. There will be no trophies.

But there will be kids. Lots and lots of kids. Try 400 of them, in the 20th Coeur d'Alene Youth Triathlon on Sunday at City Park.

For some, it's serious.

For others, it's fun.

Either way, it's important, said race organizer Eydie Kendall.

"It's something every child can do," she said. "It's competitive, but it's also an individual sense of accomplishment."

Kids ages 5-14 will take part in the event that begins with the oldest at 8 a.m., and wraps up with the youngest competitors at 10:30 a.m.

Depending on age, distances range from 30 to 200 yards in the swim, a mile to 5 miles on the bike and a quarter mile to a mile and a half on the run.

The focus is on encouraging participation, introducing kids to the sport, and then, getting them to enjoy it. Each will receive a T-shirt and a medal.

"We really want each kid to feel like they've accomplished something," she said.

A triathlon camp this week at Q'emiln Park in Post Falls attracted 17 kids ages 6-12, who practiced the big three, running, biking and swimming, along with playing games and hiking.

Their training included several treks up "Ironman Hill," which runs on Riverview Drive.

The kids triathlon started with just 20 kids. It has been kept alive by volunteers led by Kendall, who has been involved for nearly 15 years.

She attributed its growth to the popularity of the sport, word of mouth publicity, and more parents introducing their children to a healthful lifestyle.

"It's a good starting point," Kendall said.

She has noticed the mindset and focus of the young athletes has changed over the years.

Before, it was just kids showing up and doing a little race.

Today, parents buy their kids expensive bikes and wetsuits and enroll them in training programs.

"They are real serious about it," she said.

But the goal Sunday isn't about who has the best time or takes first. That's why you won't see a clock at the finish line.

What counts is, they did it.

To sign up or volunteer, go to www.cdayouthtri.org

Other race notes:

n This year the volunteer triathlon committee is partnering with Boys & Girls Club of Kootenai County.

n After 13 years as race coordinator, Kendall is relinquishing that role because she is moving to Pocatello. Ryan Davis of the Kootenai County Boys and Girls Club will step in.

n Kids Triathlon organizers started a new sponsorship program for kids who don't have the resources or support to race.