Darlington to host 7th annual Tri for the Kids Youth Triathlon
April 20, 2015 | 276 views
Darlington School will host the seventh annual Tri for the Kids Youth Triathlon, benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Georgia. The USA Triathlon-sanctioned event is sponsored by R.A.C.E. Rome and will take place Sunday, May 3, at 1 p.m.
"It is a feel good race from beginning to end! The friendly volunteers and high energy from the parents are what make this race special," said event coordinator Beth (Bagby) Smith ('87), Darlington pre-kindergarten teacher. "Seeing kids complete their first [or 20th] triathlon is so rewarding, and watching them work hard and achieve a goal is so special."
Over the past six years, Tri for the Kids has raised more than $60,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs. Last year, more than 200 children participated in the triathlon.
Tri for the Kids is open to participants age 6-15. Ages 6-9 will compete in a 50-yard swim inside Darlington's A.J. Huffman ('67) Memorial Athletic Center, a 2.2-mile bike ride on a closed portion of Cave Spring Road, and a half-mile run on the school's campus.Participants age 10-15 will complete a 100-yard swim, 4.4-mile bike ride and 1-mile run.
Each award given on race day is hand-painted by the children at the Boys & Girls Clubs.
The triathlon is organized into three divisions. The elite division exists for triathletes who compete often and want to take their competition to the next level. The beginners division is ideal for first-timers or for those who want a more relaxed pace. The physically challenged division will have race "buddies" available to assist the athletes throughout the duration of the event.
Race registration for Tri for the Kids is $45 per person. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Georgia.
"Our relationship with the Boys & Girls Club was a natural fit because it is in our neighborhood and services some great kids," said Smith. "Darlington is privileged to work with this great institution."
