If you walked up to Plymouth Pool on July 16 & 17 and heard the clanging of cowbells, the roar of children cheering, wet feet slapping the pavement, bike helmets being clicked on, and parents bouncing up and down in excitement, it meant one thing...the Try-Kids-Triathlon was in full swing!
Originally started in 2009 this kid friendly triathlon was handed over to the Greater Midland Races team who just completed its seventh Tri-Kids-Try with 282 total athletes participating - a new all time high.
“This is a special event,” Race Director Jennifer Adamcik said. “It is one-of-a-kind, and word is getting out and our reach is expanding.”
Twenty-six Michigan communities were represented, along with one family each from Pennsylvania and Utah.
“This is a family event!”, Adamcik said. “Kids ages 3-15 have an opportunity to challenge themselves in all three disciplines of swim, bike, and run.”
In 2019, the race added the MINI-TKT for their youngest athletes.
Roughly 65 excited 3-5-year-olds participated in the MINI-TKT, presented by Spence Brothers. Giant smiles were worn as they moved from the swim to the bike and finally the run. Parents and Tri Crew Volunteers, sponsored by ACE Hardware, helped and cheered the Mini’s on to the inflatable FINISH LINE where they received their “I DID IT!” ribbon.
Max M. is ready to rock the Mini-TKT course!
“My son Max has shown an interest in running from an early age. The mini-event provided a way to get him acclimated into the actual sport of running while also combining some of his other favorite summertime activities. Seeing him excited for each leg, and the pride he had running to the finish was the highlight. He just took off and didn't stop until the end. Also, hearing how excited he was for next year already was reassuring as a parent that he wasn't forced into something he wasn't interested in.” Cassie Nealis of Midland said. “The best part of doing the mini is that by the time he's old enough to do the full TKT, he should feel comfortable, confident, and experienced.”
Saturday’s main event was powered by Members First Credit Union.
“We appreciate the community support,” Adamcik said. “From sponsors to the City of Midland, the Plymouth Park neighborhood; we couldn’t put on such an event without such positive support.”
Ages 6-15 raced on Saturday morning. A seamless production moved 217 participants to the FINISH line where they were awarded the finishers medals. Distances ranged from 25m - 200m swim, 1.75 mile - 5.25-mile bike, and .5 mile to 1.5-mile run. While the majority of participants are age 6-11; there was a solid showing in the 12-15-year-old waves.
“It goes to show, if you start having them get active as a young kid, they stay with it! We love to see all ages, all abilities, families coming together to train, encourage and spur one another onto success!” Adamcik said.
The Pashak girls loved the TKT!
“We loved TKT! It was a wonderfully run event that got kids active and excited about the sport of triathlon. Both of my girls loved it! They both said they wished there were more races like this in and can't wait to do it again next year. Being a triathlete myself made this event even more fun to watch,” Jennifer Pashak of Midland said. “Also, as a parent of a child with cerebral palsy who has difficulty doing anything physical, I appreciated the help from everyone involved to make sure she successfully completed all aspects of the race. It really meant a lot.”
Planning is already underway for 2022. The team meets directly after the race clean to discuss what worked and what still needs work.
Mark your calendars for July 15 & 16, 2022. If you have kids or grandkids ages 3-15; make it a priority to sign them up as registration opens in late November.
No kids, no problem. Once you volunteer for this event, you will come back every year.
“I had a great time volunteering for the Kids' Triathlon! Kari and her team made me feel very welcome and kept me busy. I loved every minute of my tasks and enjoyed a few minutes of watching and cheering on all the athletes! I look forward to volunteering at future races.” Ellen Rabe of Midland said.
CLICK HERE to see the list of winners from Saturday’s TKT.
VISIT THE RACES PAGE for information on other upcoming races.
