April 24, 2008 issue
Second Annual High Country Kids’ Triathlon May 24
Participants, Sponsors, Volunteers Needed
Story by Celeste von Mangan
The only event of its kind in the High Country is taking place on Saturday, May 24, at 10:00 a.m. at the Watauga County Parks and Recreation Pool and Greenway Trail—the second annual High Country Kids’ Triathlon. A triathlon is an endurance sport that typically consists of three events: swimming, running and biking over various distances.
Age groups will be separated into three divisions: 8 and under, 9 to 12 and 13 to 18. The 8 and under division will swim 100 meters, bike 1 mile and run a half mile. The 9- to 12-year-old division will swim 200 meters, bike 3 miles and run 1 mile. The 13- to 18-year-old division will swim 300 meters, bike 4 miles and run 1.5 miles.
“It started last year,” said Paula Domermuth, coordinator and co-founder of the event. “My friend Dr. Tammy Middlebrook and I always wanted to do this for kids because there wasn’t anything like it for kids up here. We had about 50 participants last year, which is really good for a first time. For most every kids, it was their first triathlon, so we decided to do it again, since there was so much interest.”
The 2008 triathlon will be similar to last year’s event. The swim and bike courses will be the same, although the running course will be altered a bit. Door prizes, medals and prizes for overall winners will be awarded at the completion of the triathlon.
“We are still looking for sponsors for prizes,” said Domermuth. “And we need volunteers, mostly for the day of the race, to be out on the course showing kids where to go. For younger kids, parents can do the triathlon with them, and kids can use the kickboard in the water too. Parents can get in the pool with them.”
Registration for the High Country Kids’ Triathlon costs $20 if children are signed up by Saturday, May 10. After that date, the cost is $25. Forms to register are available at the Watauga County Parks and Recreation Office or online at www.active.com.
Although the actual start time of the triathlon is 10:00 a.m., participants need to meet at the recreation department at 9:00 a.m. to sign in and to attend a pre-race meeting to prep for the triathlon.
“We are going to provide a little training for the kids, teaching them the best way to transition from bike to swim and anything else they may need to learn,” said Domermuth. “Come early to get set up.”
For more information on the triathlon, to sponsor prizes or to volunteer, call Domermuth at 828-262-3788.
The Watauga County Parks and Recreation Department is located at 231 Complex Drive in Boone, off of State Farm Road.
Want To Go?
Date: Saturday, May 24
Time: 9:00 a.m. race prep/10:00 a.m. race start
Location: Watauga County Parks and Recreation Department
Cost: $20 before Saturday, May 10/$25 after that date
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