Strong Kids Triathlon

REGISTRATION FULL! 

There will be no day-of registration

This exciting race is all about introducing kids to the sport of triathlon. Whether you’ve never raced before or you have experience, this event caters to all ability levels. Swim at the Family Aquatic Center, bike on the Heritage Park trails and run through the Heritage Park campus to the finish line.

Location: Heritage Park

Age: 5 – 14

Swimming

The swim portion of the race will take place first at the Family Aquatic Center. The swimmers upon entering the water will swim the length of a lap then turn on the wall and the swim back down the lap lane. When they complete the lap they then swim under the lane and enter lane two and proceed the same way. They will continue snaking up and down the lanes until the distance is completed. They will exit the water and head up the back hill of the Family Aquatic Center and enter the transition area. Kickboards will be available if needed. Floatation devices are permitted but must be Coast guard approved.

Bike Route

The bike course is primarily flat. The entire bike course is open to the general public. Please be aware of your surroundings and be careful. Always use caution and remain to the left hand side of the road. Staff and signs will be on the course to remind participants of where to go. The route loops around Lake Heritage; 11-14 years old must complete 4 loops, 8-10 years old must complete 3 loops, and 5-7 years old must complete 1 loop.  Headphones are prohibited. Helmets must be worn at all times. We will not be providing athletes with a bike, must have their own bike to participate.

Run

Race numbers will be provided. Numbers must be worn on the run. The route is on our park district walking path around Lake Heritage. Staff and signs will direct the runners and bikers, but remain cautious. There will be ample food and beverages at the finish line. Please refuel yourselves and refrain from feeding your family and friends. These items are intended for the athletes only.

Distances:

Ages 5-7-year-olds: 25-yard swim, 1-mile bike, ½ mile run
Ages 8-10-year-olds: 100-yard swim, 3-mile bike, 1-mile run
Ages 11-14-year-olds: 150-yard swim, 4-mile bike, 1-mile run

Packet Pick-up

Race Day Packet pick-up will be located at the race check-in area at the Heritage Park Performance Pavilion located behind the Family Aquatic Center on the morning of the race at 109 Community Blvd. in Wheeling, IL.

Race will start on TIME!

Start time for the race will be 8:00 am for the 11-14 year old age group. For safety purposes race time for the 8-10 year old’s will be at approximately 8:25 am or after the last older participant has completed the bike portion of the race.  The 5-7 year old age group will begin immediately following the completion of the bike portion of the race for the 8-10 year old’s. Unless there is a safety concern, the race will start on time. Participants will need to allow time to check in at the Performance Pavilion. Race briefing will be held at 7:40 am for all ages.

Rules/Guidelines

The race will begin at Family Aquatic Center located across the street from the Community Recreation Center. Participants will begin in waves according to age groups. Lifeguards and other water patrol personnel will be on hand to ensure a safe swim for the participants. Bike helmets must be worn and secured inside the transition area. Participants initially entering the transition area will be required to show their helmet prior to entering. No helmet-No racing! Bikes must be mounted and dismounted outside the transition area. We will not be providing athletes with a bike, must have own bike to participate.

Transition Area

Participants and ONE parent are allowed in the transition area. Only the triathlete with will be allowed in/out of the transition area with the bike. This procedure is in place for the protection of your bike and equipment. Only one bike per rider is allowed in the transition area. The transition area will open at 7:00 am and all participants must be out of transition area by 8:00am.

Parking

Parking will be available in the lots on the Heritage Park Campus. Please see next document for designated parking lots on the map.

Parents

Parents cannot participate alongside your child. Parents are encouraged to gather along the race course and cheer for the participants.

Completion

The run portion of the race will finish at the Peformance Pavilion where there will be music, refreshments, light snacks, and photo oportunities.  Every finisher will receive a medal. The race is not officially timed and no awards are given for the fastest times in age brackets.

Inclement Weather

Stay up-to-date if adverse weather affects the event through Rainout Line. You can choose to sign up for text or email alerts, download the app to your smartphone, or call the hotline number for a recorded update (847-241-4001).

Download the FREE “Rainout Line App” on your iPhone or Android and search for Wheeling Park District.