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PITTSBURG —
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Crawford County will have its third annual Get Fit TRYathlon June 2 and 3 at Pittsburg State University.
Youngsters aged 5 to 14 will swim, bike and run. The event is geared toward those of all skill levels.
“We had over 80 last year, and our goal this year is to have 100 kids,” said Joanna Rhodes, RN, event and Live Well campaign coordinator for the Health and Wellness Committee of Crawford County.
A new event this year will be a 5K run for persons 15 and older.
“We wanted to engage older family members and older siblings,” Rhodes said.
“We’ll also have bounce houses, snow cones and the Jolly Trolley.”
She added that Live Well Health and Wellness will have helmets available for the youngsters and every participant will also get a swimming cap. Youngsters will also need to bring their swim suit, swim goggles and two towels, bike, running shorts and T-shirt, sunglasses and dry clothes for after the event.
Registration fee for the TRYathlon will be $30 per child by May 17 ($25 for the first 100 participants) or $35 per child after May 17.
Cost for the 5K will be $15 per adult with shirt by May 17 or $12 without shirt, or $20 per adult with shirt after May 17 or $17 per adult without shirt.
Rhodes said that funds were available to help youngsters participate.
“Scholarships are being made possible through the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas Nutrition and Physical Activity Grant,” she said.
Proceeds will benefit Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Crawford County, and entry fees will be waived for “littles” who participate in the TRYathlon.
One of them is Cheriah Dunn, 14, who is Rhodes’ “little sister.”
“I’ve done it twice,” she said. “I had fun the first time.”
The second time the weather didn’t cooperate and it rained.
“I tried using trash bags to cover my clothes,” Dunn said. “It does not work.”
She also got chilled, and stood under a hand dryer to try to warm up.
Another little who suffered through the weather last year was Anthony Verga, 13.
“If the weather is better this year, I’ll try it,” he said.
Verga would also like the event better if the swimming part did not come first, but Rhodes explained that the order of activities can’t be changed because of safety issues.
Youngsters will be divided into three age groups: 5 to 8, 9 to 11 and 12 to 14. Those aged 5 to 8 will need to swim 50 meters, ride a bike one mile and run half a mile. Those 9 to 11 will swim 100 meters, ride two miles and run one mile. Those 12 to 14 will swim 200 meters, ride three miles and run 1 1/2 miles.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Crawford County will have its third annual Get Fit TRYathlon June 2 and 3 at Pittsburg State University.
Youngsters aged 5 to 14 will swim, bike and run. The event is geared toward those of all skill levels.
“We had over 80 last year, and our goal this year is to have 100 kids,” said Joanna Rhodes, RN, event and Live Well campaign coordinator for the Health and Wellness Committee of Crawford County.
A new event this year will be a 5K run for persons 15 and older.
“We wanted to engage older family members and older siblings,” Rhodes said.
“We’ll also have bounce houses, snow cones and the Jolly Trolley.”
She added that Live Well Health and Wellness will have helmets available for the youngsters and every participant will also get a swimming cap. Youngsters will also need to bring their swim suit, swim goggles and two towels, bike, running shorts and T-shirt, sunglasses and dry clothes for after the event.
Registration fee for the TRYathlon will be $30 per child by May 17 ($25 for the first 100 participants) or $35 per child after May 17.
Cost for the 5K will be $15 per adult with shirt by May 17 or $12 without shirt, or $20 per adult with shirt after May 17 or $17 per adult without shirt.
Rhodes said that funds were available to help youngsters participate.
“Scholarships are being made possible through the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas Nutrition and Physical Activity Grant,” she said.
Proceeds will benefit Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Crawford County, and entry fees will be waived for “littles” who participate in the TRYathlon.
One of them is Cheriah Dunn, 14, who is Rhodes’ “little sister.”
“I’ve done it twice,” she said. “I had fun the first time.”
The second time the weather didn’t cooperate and it rained.
“I tried using trash bags to cover my clothes,” Dunn said. “It does not work.”
She also got chilled, and stood under a hand dryer to try to warm up.
Another little who suffered through the weather last year was Anthony Verga, 13.
“If the weather is better this year, I’ll try it,” he said.
Verga would also like the event better if the swimming part did not come first, but Rhodes explained that the order of activities can’t be changed because of safety issues.
Youngsters will be divided into three age groups: 5 to 8, 9 to 11 and 12 to 14. Those aged 5 to 8 will need to swim 50 meters, ride a bike one mile and run half a mile. Those 9 to 11 will swim 100 meters, ride two miles and run one mile. Those 12 to 14 will swim 200 meters, ride three miles and run 1 1/2 miles.
Dunn and Verga were unanimous in thinking that the running was the hardest part.
“I just hate running,” Verga said. “I need a Segway. I love technology.”
But that would defeat the purpose of the TRYathlon, which is to encourage youngsters to have fun exercising.
“You hear a lot about nutrition and kids, but exercise is a key factor as well,” Rhodes said. “There are lots of health benefits when it comes to exercise. If we can encourage our children to be active at a younger age, they will feel better about themselves and do better in school.”
Dunn definitely won’t participate next year because, at 15, she will be too old.
“But I will help with TRYathlon,” she said.
The event will begin with a clinic June 2 at Pittsburg State University.
“It’s not required that kids attend the clinic, but we do encourage it,” Rhodes said.
During the clinic, youngsters will get to work with experienced multi-sport triathletes and trainers, learning skills and safety for each of the three categories. Roger Lomshek with Tailwind Cyclists will provide bike and helmet checks.
The actual swimming, biking and running will be done June 3, starting at noon. A post-event celebration is planned.
Anyone needing additional information may contact Rhodes at livewellcrawfordcounty@gmail.co or call Big Brothers Big Sisters of Crawford County at 231-1145.
