Some of the fittest youngsters around are getting ready to take part in the 11th annual Squamish Youth Triathlon, which takes place at Brennan Park on May 8.
Race organizer Roz Gilbert told The Chief that the event is sold out, with all 225 spots having been spoken for earlier this month.
"This event has got a lot of momentum," she said. "We have 11 kids on the waitlist and that's proof that it's always good to sign up early."
Gilbert noted that more kids seem to be signing up as individuals as opposed to being part of a team than in past years, with approximately 150 children taking on the race on their own. The remaining 75 youngsters make up 27 different teams, comprised of teams of two or three. This will also be the fifth year that young para-triathletes can take part in the event.
She added that there are two small course adjustments to this year's race.
"Instead of bikers coming across Loggers Lane, we will be using the new Corridor Trail and be off the roads altogether," she said. "The new trail was available last year but not when we were initially planning the event. It'll definitely be safer for the bikers and it's good to get off the roads."
The swimming transition area will also be moved slightly because of the new outdoor gym, which was where the old transition area was located.
Also new for this year is an expanded finish area. Community groups have been invited to occupy tables with information for the general public to check out.
As for the race, kids are divided into six different categories, with distances for each discipline increasing with each age group. In each age group, there are categories for Individual Male, Individual Female and Relay Teams. Relay teams are two or three athletes, and can be male, female or mixed, but there is only one overall relay category in each age group. Relay team members must all be in the same age category.
There will be a mandatory pre-race meeting at the Brennan Park Auditorium on May 7 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will give young triathletes and their parents a chance to hear the rules and learn about any last-minute course changes, double-check the course maps, check on competitors' swim heats and learn where to go in the transition area.
Gilbert said that, just like last year, the race package will be available for all participants on May 6 and 7 at Source for Sports in Squamish.
Organizers are still looking for volunteers and those interested are encouraged to contact the organizing committee. For information, visit www.squamishyouthtri.ca/pages/contact.php. Community groups interested in being involved with the expanded finish line can also contact the organizers for more information. There is no fee to take part but groups are expected to bring their own tents and tables.
For more information on the Squamish Youth Triathlon, visit www.squamishyouthtri.ca.
