FAQs

Triathlon is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and kids triathlons are a vital part of this trend. There is no better way for any child to experience the benefits of a healthy lifestyle focused on daily exercise and good nutrition.

Every triathlon consists of 4 components – swimming, biking, running and transitions. At the First Coast Kids Triathlon, kids will only race against other kids in their same age group. We will utilize a time trial start in the UNF pool meaning each racer will enter the pool one at a time. As they complete their swim, they will enter the transition area to begin the bike portion of the race. After completing their ride, they will reenter transition, drop-off their bike and exit onto the run course. The run is the final portion of the race. Computerized timing chips are used to track each participant throughout each part of the race. Below are the actual race distances for each of the age groups.

  

 

Registration will be limited to 400 racers, and we do expect a sellout. The number of participants in each age group may vary, but total participation of 400 will make the First Coast Kids Triathlon one of the five largest kids triathlons in the U.S.A.

  

While there is no minimum age, we expect the youngest racer to be 5 or 6 years old. On the other end of the spectrum, anyone turning 16 before December 31, 2010 will not be allowed to race. Age guidelines are established by the USAT. 

  

Race distances are set by the USAT and designed to be challenging, yet achievable – even for first-timers. The word triathlon can scare people into thinking it is something they could never do. Plain and simple, if your child can swim 4 laps in a pool and ride their bike for 20 minutes without stopping, they can successfully complete a kids triathlon. If they cannot do this now, there still may be time to set some goals and to get ready to race.

 

The First Coast Kids Triathlon is being organized through the Strong Kids Program of the YMCA. Currently, it is the only USAT sanctioned kids triathlon between Tampa and Atlanta scheduled for 2010. DRC Athletic Event Management of Inverness, FL is the Race Director, and they will be responsible for all race day activities – including course set-up, timing and overall coordination.

  

All participants are being asked to attend our Pre-Race Pep Rally on Saturday, May 1st, 2010 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. This is the only scheduled time for packet and race number pick-up, though we will try to accommodate special exceptions. 

             There will NOT be any packet pick-up or registration on Race Day.

             Also, we encourage everyone to participate in the Pre-Race Pep Rally, as it is always helpful to preview the course before the race. And, it will give everyone a chance to meet the Celebrity Big Kids, get autographs and take photos.

 

While every person is different, most experts do NOT suggest a heavy meal the night before a race. Every racer will need a lot of energy, so a traditional pasta dinner or other meal with lots of carbohydrates and protein is quite common.

 Of course, you know your body and normal eating habits better than anyone. It is always safe to follow those. The only thing almost everyone agrees on. . . it is NOT a good time to try a new food for the first time.

 

Again, it is best to listen to your body and to do what feels right. It also depends on what time you get up and what time you are racing. The Juniors (who race at 8:00am and 8:45am) should eat something light that is a good source of carbohydrates and protein 2 to 3 hours before the start of your race. As for the Seniors (racing at 9:30am and 10:30am), it is easier to eat a normal breakfast early in the morning because your body will have more time to digest the food. 

One thing you do NOT want to do is skip breakfast on Race Day. You will need all the energy you can get to complete the race.