A week from Saturday, youth will have the chance to compete in the 11th annual Seymour Boys and Girls Club Triathlon. Each child will get a chance to swim, bike and run during this event.

The race begins at 8:30 a.m. Kids are split into two age groups. The 6 to 10-year-olds will swim for 100-yards before biking for two miles and running half a mile to the finish, while the 11 to14-year-olds will swim 200-yards, bike two miles and run one mile. Racers need to bring their goggles, towel, bike helmet and shoes for the event.

There will be two practice sessions for anyone who would like to get a feel for the course. The first session will be Tuesday and the second is Thursday. Both sessions will begin at 6 p.m.

Ryon Wheeler, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club, spoke about the creation of the event, and the future possibilities of it.

“It was created as a fundraiser, we’re looking to make it into more of a year-long program,” Wheeler said. “I took over as executive director in 2017, Kendra (Zumhingst) was on the board at the time. She has done a wonderful job with this program. This event has become a program that promotes healthy lifestyles, and that’s what we’re about here.”

Zumhingst and Wheeler spoke about their favorite parts of the triathlon.

“Seeing the kids come out apprehensive, and then coming across the finish line beaming with pride,” Zumhingst said.

Wheeler said his favorite thing is seeing the kids persevere, and seeing them work hard, swimming, biking, and running throughout.

“I enjoy seeing how excited they are in the race as well,” he said.

Both also were asked about what they want these kids to get out of this event.

“One of the core tendencies of the boys and girls club is a healthy lifestyle, we want them to continue being active and staying healthy,” Wheeler said. “I hope them accomplishing this will inspire them to set and achieve goals for themselves. It’s easy nowadays to quit things.”

Zumhingst said she wants the kids to get a sense of pride and accomplishment.

“As well as knowing they can do whatever their mind sets out to do,” she said.

Participants will receive a race shirt, race belt, and a post-race snack.

The link to sign up and get registered for this event is here: forms.gle/Vu3X4juQfFZRYP4b8

Entry fee for the triathlon is $35, payable to the BGC Youth Triathlon.

Participants will receive a T-shirt and a keepsake. The top two finishers in the boys’ and girls’ categories, of both age groups, will receive an award.

If anyone needs a bike to use for the race, they will be allowed to use one. If you need a bike, contact Wheeler by email at [email protected].

Guardian Bikes of Seymour was generous enough to donate the bikes for the event. he said.

“Thank you to them for allowing us to use those,” Wheeler said. “If that is what’s holding anyone back from participating, please contact us and we’ll get them a bike.”

Schedule

7:00 A.M: Registration opens

7:45 A.M: Group photo

8:00 A.M: Racer meeting

8:30 A.M: Race start time