Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country
Founded 05-05-05
May 15, 2008 issue
High Country Kids Triathlon May 24
Volunteers Still Needed
Story by Anna Oakes and Celeste von Mangan
Help satisfy your kids’ competitive spirits in an encouraging environment at the second annual High Country Kids’ Triathlon taking place Saturday, May 24, at the Watauga County Parks and Recreation Pool and Greenway Trail.
The athletic event, an endurance sport involving swimming, running and biking over various distances, begins at 10:00 a.m. All participants must meet at the recreation department at 9:00 a.m. to sign in and attend a pre-race meeting to prepare 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 Paula Domermuth, coordinator and co-founder of the triathlon. “Come early to get set up.”
Participants will be divided into three age 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.
Medals and prizes are available for event winners, including toys from the Incredible Toy Company, ski passes to Appalachian Ski Mountain, Mast General Store T-Shirts and gift certificates. Every participant will receive a goodie bag.
Volunteers are still needed to help monitor traffic and help in other ways.
“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,” Domermuth said.
Registration for the triathlon is $25. Participants may register on the day of the event but must arrive no later than 9:00 a.m. to do so. Registration forms are available at the Watauga County Parks and Recreation Office or online at www.active.com.
The Watauga County Parks and Recreation Department is located at 231 Complex Drive in Boone, off of State Farm Road. For more information on the triathlon, to sponsor prizes or to volunteer, call Domermuth at 828-262-3788.
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: $25