I have continually been impressed by how Recreation Services staff strives to provide opportunities for fun and good health to individuals of all ages and physical capabilities. Indeed our program offerings include something any and everyone can do to enjoy as active a lifestyle as possible. Along those lines, some in our community for years have been asking that we offer a triathlon just for kids. Well guess what, Aug. 14, beginning at 8:30 a.m., the first Mini-Mini Haha for kids ages 6 to 13 makes its grand debut.
This event is designed to be just like our adult triathlon, the Mini Haha. But this triathlon is Mini-Mini because it is extra short for kids, and still Haha because it will be super fun. The Mini-Mini Haha answers to the younger set, which is looking to have fun, exercise and participate in a triathlon just like their parents. It is designed for kids who have never competed in a triathlon, and who want to try something new, something fun and something to get them motivated to pursue an active lifestyle. Further, it will provide a low-key, family-friendly and encouraging environment, in which every participant will be a winner.
Our Mini-Mini Haha Triathlon involves swimming, biking and running in that order. Participants will start by swimming in the Community Center indoor pool, then will bike and then finally, run or walk on paths through neighborhoods to the finish line at The Bay Aquatic Park. The breakdown of age categories and triathlon distances are as follows:
Ages 6 to 8 — 25-yard swim, one-mile bike ride and quarter-mile run.
Ages 9 to 11 — 50-yard swim, two-mile bike ride and half-mile run.
Ages 12 to 13 — 100-yard swim, four-mile bike ride and one-mile run.
The registration deadline for this event is Aug. 8 or until 50 kiddos are signed up, so those who want to participate shouldn’t hesitate. Packet pick-up will begin at 5 p.m. Aug. 10 at the Broomfield Community Center, 280 Lamar St., and continues until the race begins.
There will be an informational meeting from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Aug. 10 at the Broomfield Community Center. At that time, we also will take participants through the pool and transition area and show them the bike and run start location.
On triathlon day, the pool and transition area will open at 7:30 a.m. for warm-up and transition set-up. The warm-up areas will close at 8:15 a.m. for the race to begin. Swimming age groups will begin at 8:30 a.m., and will start every 5 to 10 minutes thereafter. Additionally, all participants will receive a T-shirt and a free ticket good at The Bay the day of the triathlon.
As with our adult triathlon, we also need volunteers for the Mini-Mini Haha. Those wishing to volunteer can contact Stephanie at 303-464-5540. Volunteers will help guide and cheer on athletes participating in the event. More information on the event can be found at broomfieldrecreation.com, as can race application forms and instructions for registering. Race applications also are available at the Broomfield Community Center or the Paul Derda Recreation Center. Take a look at the Web site and read more about the Mini-Mini Haha Triathlon for kids. It promises to be an event not to be missed.
Barbara Ploeger is the marketing specialist for Broomfield Recreation Services. E-mail her at .