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Vernon gets B.C. kids triathlon

Paradigm Naturopathic Kids Triathlon: June 24 in Vernon
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Register by Wednesday and you pocket a free t-shirt. Finish first or last and you take home some form of prize.

That’s the premise behind the fifth annual Paradigm Naturopathic Kids Triathlon, doubling this year as the Junior Provincial Triathlon Championships, Saturday, June 24, in Vernon. Registration closes June 16.

The B.C. event promises to be exciting for athletes and spectators alike and includes various races and distances for all ages. The race is an opportunity for everyone to come and play outside, in a safe, sanctioned, organized sport environment.

“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 Vernon’s Laura Medcalf, volunteer race director. “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.”

More than 175 kids between the ages of 3-19 toe the start line each June, rain or shine, on the shore of Okanagan Lake. The event sees slight changes each year to accommodate the increased demand and skill level of kids participating.

This year is no different, as the Paradigm Naturopathic Kids Triathlon announces it has been selected to host the Junior Triathlon Provincial Championships. The championship race will see youth aged 16-19 racing in a Draft Legal Supersprint format.

The Draft Legal format, which includes a 400-metre swim, 10-kilometre bike, and 2.5-k 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 aged 13-15 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.

Participation races for 6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, and 14-17 year olds also include a swim, bike, 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 &run event for 3-5 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 enthusiastic volunteers and parents,” said Medcalf.

The Kids Triathlon committee is still seeking sponsorships, and volunteers who are interested in getting involved. Home to the Tri Monsters Triathlon and Cycling Team, as well as the Kal RATS Sprint Triathlon on June 25, Vernon has become a hot spot for triathlon opportunities throughout the season.

Vernon will host a number of TriathlonBC initiatives, including NCCP (Coach) training opportunities, 2017 Canada Summer Games eligibility camp, 2018 BC Summer Games development day, and a 55+ training clinic. To register for the Paradigm Naturopathic Kids Triathlon, please visit vernonkidstri.com.

The Kal RATS Sprint Triathlon Sunday, June 25, features a 750-metre swim, 18.5-k bike and 5-k run.

Start Time: 8:30 a.m.

Race Director: Kelsi Johnson.

Location: Kin Beach.

The Rules: Triathlon British Columbia rules will apply.

Triathlon Rules Race Entry: The cost is $70 for age 20+, $40 for 16-19 years and $25 for each member of a relay team.

Registration: Now on-line at zone4.ca . There is a cap of 200 on the number of entrants, so don’t wait until the last minute.

Package Pickup: Saturday, June 24 3-5 p.m. at The Starting Block or Sunday, 7 a.m. on race day.

Volunteer: Volunteers are required for positions that include setting up the transition area, registration and body marking, assisting with the swim (kayak, paddleboard, canoe), course marshals for run and bike course, timing, and cleanup. If you are able to help out or would like further information see the club’s volunteer page.