NMITF not just for adults

While the majority of the events hosted by the Northern Marianas Islands Triathlon Federation cater to the adults of the CNMI, the only multisport north of Guam devotes ample time toward offering the next generation of Marceau’s and Whitmore’s a chance at getting started off on the right foot.

The upcoming season will be no different as the Kids TRYathlon Series returns to the home of the XTERRA Saipan Championship and the Tagaman Triathlon in hopes of getting the youngsters prepared for the Winter/Spring TRYathlon Point Series in January.

From there the kids will be ready to go for the Saipan Sports Fest and the Tagakids Championship Race.

There’s plenty of time left for the kids to break in their new sneakers and try out their bikes as first event begins on Saturday, Aug. 27, immediately following the NMITF Adult Enticer at the Kan Pacific Swimming Pool in Marpi. The whole family can participate as the all of the children under 11-years of age will get the day started, while the kids between 11 and 14 will race alongside the adult race beginning at 8am.

The day’s activities will offer something for children of all ages as the Tykes and Trikes division will challenge kids younger than five years of age to complete a 20-m swim, two laps around the pool, and a one lap run around the pool.

The course gets a little tougher for the older boys and girls as the 8-and-under division event consists of a 50m swim, a 2km bike, and a .5km run.

The 9-10 year olds will double the distances in their division, while the 11-12 and 13-14 age groups will swim 200m, traverse the 4km bike course, and run 1km.

If going solo seems a little intimidating, the NMITF also offers the “Bring a friend and TRYathlon together,” where experienced young triathletes are encouraged to bring a first timer out to the course.

“One person swims, the other bikes, both run together. Anyone can participate, but prizes will be raffled for anyone who brings a newbie,” said race director Sue Knecht.
Whether this is the first time for your little racer to participate or not, it is important that all entrants arrive to the Kan-Pacific Pool 45 minutes prior to race times to ensure you hear the pre-race briefings.

“These events are not possible without the help of volunteers. Please, if you have a child competing, sign up for a designated spot the day of the race,” said Knecht.

As with all of the NMITF events, safety is the first and foremost priority, and all participants are required to wear helmets while competing on the bike course.

The cost to participate in the race is $5 per person, per event. For more information contact race director Sue Knecht via email at sueknecht1@yahoo.com.