January 22, 2010

GROUNDBREAKING KIDS' TRIATHLON SERIES IS BACK ALONG WITH SPONSOR, BIRKDALE ANIMAL HOSPITAL

  

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. – The nation’s largest triathlon series for kids returns to Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics in 2010 for its third year, with Birkdale Animal Hospital back as title sponsor.

More than 330 families participated in the four-race series in 2009, with more than 200 kids competing in the final championship event. The USA Triathlon-sanctioned races cover these ages and distances:

• 4–6 years old: 25-yard swim/.3-mile bike/100-yard run
• 7–8 years old: 50-yard swim/1-mile bike/.3-mile run
• 9–10 years old: 75-yard swim/1-mile bike/.3-mile run
• 11–12 years old: 100-yard swim/2-mile bike/.75-mile run
• 13–14 years old: 200-yard swim/3-mile bike/1-mile run

“Training for these races helps kids develop healthy habits early in life,” says Birkdale Animal Hospital Triathlon Series director Kathy Goody, a champion triathlete and triathlon coach herself. “They get the chance to experience firsthand how regular exercise improves their health, as well as a true sense of accomplishment that comes from doing something that most of their peers cannot. That’s especially important for kids who don’t necessarily excel at team sports.”

It’s also crucial at a time when the health and fitness levels of U.S. children are declining at an alarming rate. According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of childhood obesity has risen in each youth and adolescent age group over the past three decades. For those aged 2-5 years, the rate of incidence has gone from 5 percent to 12.4 percent; for those aged 6-11 years, the rate has increased from 6.5 percent to 17 percent; and for those aged 12-19 years, from 5 percent to 17.6 percent.

Why does it matter? Overweight and obese children are at a higher risk for other conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes and asthma. Research also shows that obese children are more likely to become obese adults, when the health risks multiply.

Of course, it also helps that kids love competing in the races. Just ask Cade Thompson, who at eight years old is already a veteran triathlete after competing in the past series.“I get to do my three favorite activities,” Cade says.

“My times have improved because I am more used to doing the swim, bike, and run.”

Plus, the racing comes with perks. “After you finish you get food and drinks and candy,” Cade notes. 

Cade also gained valuable tri experience at HFFA’s weekly triathlon camps through the summer.“I feel tired after the race but good because I have been training for it in tri camp,” he says. “And I really like the camps because there are fun treasure hunts and riding bikes to "skull" woods. It’s fun to train with all of the games and fun activities.” 

This year’s triathlon camps begin June 15 and run weekly through August.

While the kids love the competition, parents are happy to have their kids involved for other reasons, says Goody, who adds, “I had a parent come up to me after one of the races last year and say, ‘this is the best thing we do all summer. The kids are happy, we are outside and together as a family and everyone is enjoying themselves.’ That’s what it’s all about.”

About Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics (HFFA):
Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics is about family, fitness and fun. Dedicated HFFA staffers produce an exciting variety of programs and partnerships that connect the community and enable members to experience and achieve the most in health, wellness, and total fitness. Built in 2001, the 88,000-square-foot HFFA facility features state-of-the-art aquatic and fitness components, including a 50-meter pool, a 25-yard warm water pool, an outdoor family fun pool, full-court gymnasium, complete fitness center, and group exercise studio.  As the only public facility in the Southeast with an Olympic-sized, 50-meter competition pool and 10-meter dive tower, HFFA regularly hosts aquatics events with up to 2,000 spectators for regional, national, and international swim and dive competitions. For more information, please call (704) 766-2222 or visit www.hffa.com.

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