Who says kids can’t be adventurers, too? The Youth National Championship is held annually in Colorado Springs, Colorado. There are separate events, according to age group and experience. Children ages 7 – 15 can participate in marathons and triathlons suited to their skills.
The Youth Triathlon is for kids aged 7 – 15. For this particular triathlon, no prior triathlon experience is required. This is a great race for beginners because it is non-drafting and anyone can participate. Activities for 7 – 10 year-olds include the 100-meter swim, 5K bike and 1K run. Kids aged 11 – 15 will instead do the 200-meter swim, 10K bike and 2K run. Even though it is for beginners, kids should still have some type of pre-training, just so that they are prepared for this type of activity.
For kids with a little more experience, there are the Youth Elite National Championship Race and the Junior Elite National Championship Race. These triathlon races are for kids aged 13 – 15, who have had prior experience. Both are draft-legal races. The swim, bike and run are more challenging than in the Youth Triathlon.
For all of these events, kids will need the right shoes and the right gear to help them go the distance. Triathlon-quality shoes should be sturdy, flexible, comfortable and lightweight. They also should have plenty of skid-proof traction, as well as shock absorption. Clothing for running and biking should be comfortable and keep the skin dry and cool. Clothing should be lightweight and snug. The child should be able to move freely in the clothing, while gaining protection at the same time.
For swimming events, choose suits that are snug and protect against the sun. There are suits that are specially designed for shielding against the sun. These would be great for outdoor competitive events, such as those at the Youth National Championship.
Parents, don’t be afraid to try out various clothing and shoes while your child is preparing for this type of event. This will ensure that when the time comes to compete, your child is in optimal comfort and protection.
