Youth triathlon hoping to grow again

Last year, the Corn Palace Youth Triathlon had its highest attendance ever in its three-year existence.

The event — headed by Ryan Tupper each year — had 93 kids in competition.

Each year the event has been held, the number of attendees has increased.

For the fourth annual Corn Palace Youth Triathlon, Tupper is hoping the trend continues.

“We’re hoping to get more than 100 kids this year,” he said. “We could have a little bit of a slump after building for three years, but you never know.”

As of Friday, Tupper said 15 kids are signed up for the Saturday, Aug. 21 event, but that number is actually more than the amount two weeks prior to the race last year.

Those who are interested must sign up at allsportcentral.com before Aug. 18 at 9 p.m. Tupper said there will be no day-of-event sign-ups.

There will be a group for ages from 7 to 10 and a group for ages 11 to 14 for the event.

In the 7-10 age group, an individual or three-person team will swim 100 meters, bike two miles and run for three-quarters of a mile.

For the 11-14 age group, an individual will swim 200 meters, bike three miles and run one mile. Helmets are required for the bicycle portion at both age groups.

There also will be team events that include coed, boys or girls teams in both age groups. The cost of the event varies on whether a team or individual participates.

Participants will swim at the Mitchell Outdoor Aquatic Center, bike along Foster Street and run around Hitchcock Park.

Besides the triathlon, a free 6 and under duathlon will be held. Participants will bike for a quarter mile and run 100 meters.

“This event has a huge group of volunteers that helps run the race day,” Tupper said. “We’re always looking for help.”

Tags: corn palace youth triathlon, sports