HITS Endurance adds event to Hudson Valley Triathlon

HITS Endurance is adding a Splash and Dash Aquathon for kids and teens to its Hudson Valley Triathlon race at Williams Lake in Rosendale on July 10 at 5 p.m.

Sanctioned by USA Triathalon, Splash and Dash is a sport that combines running and swimming and is open to young athletes ages 7-15. Racers will receive their bib numbers and timing chips during packet pickup prior to the race from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. that afternoon.

According to HITS, Splash and Dash is a fastgrowing sport with 60

Splash and Dash events scheduled throughout the U.S. this year.

Athletes are separated into two divisions by age. Ages 7-10 swim 100 meters and run a 1K, while ages 11-15 swim 200 meters and run a 2K.

The swim takes place in Williams Lake, while the running portion follows an out-and-back course on a section of the adjacent Wallkill Valley Rail Trail.

The entire event will be off-road to ensure the athletes are safe and lifeguards will be on duty throughout the swim course, organizers said. Marshals on the running course will help direct runners.

The athletes will sprint down a finish chute and through the finish arch while every finisher will receive a medal commemorating his or her achievement.

There will be an awards ceremony for the top finishers at 6:30 p.m. and all results will be posted online the following day.

The event for kids and teens kicks off the Hudson Valley Triathalon weekend which features races of several distances ranging from Sprint to Olympic to Half and Full being held on July 11.

For more information about the Splash and Dash Aquathon and the Hudson Valley Triathalon visit: www.hitsendurance.com