Youth triathlon slated for Saturday

CHRISTUS St. Michael Health & Fitness Center and Team Texarkana will host the third annual Twin Cities Kids Triathlon beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday at the fitness center.

“We are thrilled to keep this tradition going,” said Mike Riley, manager at the fitness center.

“The goal of this event is to introduce children and youth to fitness and the triathlon sport.

“The event is very beginner friendly but is also great for the ‘seasoned’ triathlete, as well.”

The event includes an outdoor swim in the gym’s pool, a bicycle ride on Galleria Oaks and a run on Sister Damian Walking Trail. Triathletes will be placed in three age groups, with varying start times and distances.

Children ages 6-9 will begin at 9 a.m. with a 50-yard swim, 2.5-mile bike ride and a halfmile run.

At 9:30 a.m., 10- to 12-yearolds will swim 100 yards, ride 2.5 miles and run 1 mile. The third group, ages 13-15, will begin at 10 a.m. and complete a 150-yard swim, 5-mile bike ride and 1.5-mile run.

All finishers will receive a competitor’s medal. Awards will be given to the firstplace boy and girl for each individual age year and will be presented soon after the last triathlete of the day has completed the course. Registration can be submitted online at stmichaelfitness.or by calling the fitness center at 903-614-4441.

Registration packet pickup will be from 1 to 6 p.m. Friday at the gym or from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. during race-day registration before the competition begins.

For more information, call Lily Bennett at 903-614-4441.