Iron Kids
Promoting an active and healthy lifestyle
by Catie Case

Seeing children running, biking, and swimming are very normal, childlike activities. However, put the three together and you have a triathlon, which is not something most parents would think about when it comes to children 6 to 15 years of age. That perception is being changed and with the help of groups such as IronKids National Triathlon Series,  parents searching for a way to get their children involved in a multi-discipline sport should look no further.

What Is IronKids
The 2009 IronKids National Triathlon Series, which targets youth ranging from 6 to 15 years of age, aims to inspire and motivate youth through the sport to lead an active, positive and healthy lifestyle. The series provides children with a great cross-training experience as participants swim, bike and run their way to the finish line.

A goal of IronKids is to emphasize sportsmanship, as well as participation in sports. Triathlons cannot only teach youth about the importance of team or group training, but also about the joy of accomplishing personal goals.

In addition to the race, the series offers an interactive weekend experience for the entire family. Activities such as IronKids Expo, featuring product sampling, retail, nutrition clinics and activities, and IronFlix, a children's film festival showcasing domestic and international features and shorts that embody the IronKids mission.
The IronKids Series allows youth to find excitement in exercise. Martha Brainard, 12, participated in IronKids Carmel and enjoyed the happiness she felt post-race.
“IronKids Carmel was my first triathlon, and I wasn't really sure what it was going to be like,” said Martha. “I was really glad I participated. After I finished, I said to myself, 'I did it!' I would definitely do another event.”  

Participation in an IronKids event is about more than exercise and fun for some children. Winter Vinecki, 10, participated in IronKids San Diego and IronKids Carmel. She recently formed “Team Winter” and began competing in youth triathlons as a way to bring awareness to prostate cancer, the disease that claimed her father's life several months ago.

“IronKids takes me across the United States and introduces me to other families and kids who might become inspired to help make a difference in this world,” said Winter. “IronKids inspires kids to become active and live a healthier lifestyle, and I encourage them to go one step beyond that and race for a cause, like I do.”
While many of the 2009 events have already taken place, there are still several opportunities to participate and possibly qualify for the IronKids National Championship. The remaining events in the 2009 Series include Avon, Colo., on Sept. 6, Alpharetta, Ga., on Sept. 13 and Tucson, Ariz., on Oct. 3. The top five finishers in each age group from all eight events, including IronKids Tucson the day before, are eligible to participate in the National Championship in Tucson, Ariz., on Oct. 4.

Director of IronKids, Michelle Payette, says she didn't have to think twice about Tucson when selecting event locations for the series.

“IronKids is excited about hosting an event in Tucson, as it is not only a great family destination, but also great for triathletes,” said Payette. “Tucson is an excellent place for triathlons, camps and clinics, and it has the triathlon community to support these.  However, what really captured the heart of IronKids was the surrounding beauty.”

World Triathlon Corp. acquired IronKids from the Sara Lee Corp. that owned the event series since 1985. IronKids' events have seen more than 40,000 participants in its history and has introduced some of the sport's greats with past participants including seven-time Tour de France champion, Lance Armstrong and U.S. Olympians, Hunter Kemper and Laura Bennett. National partners such as K-Swiss, Aqua Sphere, CLIF Bar, SAM (Store & Move) and Timex support the 2009 Series.
The 2010 series has not been officially announced yet, but it will see the addition of several new locations. To register for the remaining IronKids events and learn more about the 2009 Series, visit www.IronKids.com.  K&S

Catie Case is the Public Relations Coordinator for World Triathlon Corp. Case joined the World Triathlon Corp. team in July 2009 and is focusing her efforts on the IronKids brand.  For more information, please see www.ironkids.com or contact Catie@ironman.com.