Youth triathlon coming to Presque Isle Sept. 9
Local children are being invited to get “Redy” to improve their level of physical activity by participating in the very first Redy…Set…Let’s Go! Youth Triathlon, scheduled to take place Sept. 9 at the University of Maine at Presque Isle.
The event is a collaboration of The Aroostook Medical Center, Healthy Aroostook and the University of Maine at Presque Isle.
“This special triathlon just for kids is a great way for our youth to have a lot of fun while being active,” said Reegan Brown, youth triathlon coordinator and community education specialist with Healthy Aroostook, a program of ACAP.
“Many kids will spend the summer outside swimming, biking, and running. Because these are the same activities they will be doing at the Youth Triathlon, this event is the perfect opportunity for them to stay active all summer and put their skills to the test this fall. It is also a great way to encourage our youth to try a new sport.”
When attending the triathlon, local children may see Redy, the well-known mascot of Let’s Go. Event organizers decided to name the event after Redy because he plays an active role in educating youth about building healthy habits.
“Some people see the word ‘Redy’ and think it is a misspelling, but it’s actually the name of our mascot. Redy visits schools and community events to remind children to eat a healthy diet and find ways to be physically active,” Brown said.
The event is open to any child between the ages of 7 and 13. Children between the ages of 7 and 9 will swim 50 yards, bike 2 miles, and run one-half mile. Older participants will swim 100 yards, bike 2.5 miles, and run 1 mile.
According to Brown, the event is appropriate for children of all skill levels.
“The Youth Triathlon is perfect for beginners, those who are more advanced, and everyone in between,” she said. “The event is about being active, getting to know the participants, and having fun.”
Several free training sessions are being held throughout the summer to help children prepare for the event. Swimming and yoga sessions have already been held, and swimming, running, and Zumba sessions are planned for the coming months. All of these training sessions will be held at UMPI’s Gentile Hall.
The event supports principles developed by Let’s Go! 5-2-1-0, a nationally recognized youth obesity prevention program that has partners throughout Maine. The local effort is headed up by Healthy Aroostook and EMHS in collaboration with other community partners including TAMC, schools, workplaces, and others.
More information about the Youth Triathlon, including a registration form, can be found at www.redyyouthtriathlon.org. For a $20 registration fee, participants receive a T-shirt, healthy snacks and water at the event, and access to the university’s facilities during the training sessions and event.
Forty-six people have registered for the Youth Triathlon to date, and organizers hope several more will sign up in the coming weeks.
