On Saturday, June 8, the YMCA of Springfield and Memorial Rehab Services are hosting the Kids’ Triathlon at the Kerasotes YMCA, 4550 W. Iles. The race will begin at 9:30 a.m. The YMCA Memorial Rehab Services Fourth Annual Kids’ Triathlon is open to children between the ages of 5-14. Due to the large range in age and capability, the triathlon will be a 50-300-yard swim, followed by a 1-3.5-mile bike ride and end with a .25-1.25 mile run. Winners will be acknowledged in five different age and gender categories. This year, the triathlon will be open to children with diverse abilities. Additionally, on June 8, Ys around the world will be celebrating the YMCA’s 175th birthday! Jim Langfelder, the mayor of Springfield, will be attending the triathlon and will be making a few remarks prior to the start of the race. More information about registration forms for the triathlon can be found at https://www.springfieldymca.org/kidstriathlon/ and at both YMCA facilities.
“Exercise is therapeutic and when a child is active and excited about exercising, the results are incredible. The triathlon is a great opportunity to not only keep kids active in the summer but to keep them happy. The smiles on the kids’ faces when they cross the finish line are why we do what we do here,” says Angie Sowle, CEO of the YMCA of Springfield.
No one is turned away from the YMCA for their inability to pay and all proceeds from the triathlon will benefit the YMCA Strong Kids Scholarship Fund. Last year, the YMCA of Springfield served over 16,000 youth. They provided 3,701 youth and family scholarship memberships and 601 summer camp weeks to underprivileged youth ages 5-14. They also provided programming to an additional 393 participants who are physically or mentally disadvantaged.
The YMCA’s Kids’ Triathlon is made possible by these local sponsors:Title Sponsor, Memorial Rehab Services, Event Sponsor: Hyvee, Course Sponsors: Chapman Stone (swim), McDonald’s, Soccer World, R & M Cyclery (bike), and Wheelfast (bike). Friends: springfieldmoms.org, Corelife, Smoothie King, Medics First, Prairie Farms, Friendly Chevrolet, and Texas Roadhouse. It is not too late to sponsor this event; please contact Michelle Dilworth with any questions.
