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Vernon to host Junior Provincial Triathlon Championships

The fifth annual Paradigm Naturopathic Kids Triathlon takes place at Kin Beach June 24
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Get ready for the Paradigm Naturopathic Kids Triathlon. (mfoto.ca/Morten Byskov)

The fifth annual Paradigm Naturopathic Kids Triathlon will have provincial status.

The 2017 event takes place at Kin Beach June 24 and it has been selected to host the Junior Triathlon Provincial Championships.

“The championship race will see youth ages 16 to 19 racing in a draft legal supersprint format,” said Laura Medcalf, race director.

“The draft legal format, which includes a 400-metre swim, 10-kilometre bike and 2.5-kilometre run, encourages individual athletes to work together in packs on the bike, providing exciting race and tactical experience for these up and coming high performance athletes.”

Youth ages 13 to 15 who are certified to race draft legal will also compete in the supersprint format as they race for points in the hotly contested, three-race provincial series.

The Paradigm Naturopathic Kids Triathlon will include various races and distances for all ages.

“Anyone can do it, and it’s really special for every kid who crosses the finish line, to walk away with the accomplishment of having completed the challenge,” said Medcalf.

“Our local businesses who support, as well as the volunteer community, have come together year after year to host this low cost opportunity for entry level athletes, and that is truly something to be proud of.”

About 175 kids between the ages of three and 19 are expected to participate.

Participation races for six to seven, eight to nine, 10 to 11, 12 to 13 and 14 to 17 year olds also include a swim, bike and run format in age appropriate distances.

Another highlight of the June 24 event includes the fun and colourful Splash and Dash, which is a swim and run event for three to five-year-olds. The Splash and Dash includes a short swim in knee deep water, followed by a run through the finish chute to receive a medal, all while being cheered along by volunteers and parents.

The Vernon Kids Triathlon committee is still seeking sponsorships and volunteers who are interested in getting involved.

To register for the Paradigm Naturopathic Kids Triathlon, visit vernonkidstri.com.