Race Preview: 2016 Sherwood YMCA Family Triathlon (Sherwood)

When you’re a runner with kids, there are a few options how to get races done: If just one parent participates, the other can be with the children, you can find a sitter (tough to do for early morning races), or you can bring your kids to the race. Very few races offer on-site childcare, so then kids need to be in a stroller (if small enough for a stroller), or can participate as well (if they feel so inclined). It’s nice to come across a race that caters to families and encourages them to participate together. The Sherwood Y Family Triathlon is one such race.

This triathlon is perfect for kids of all ages. It is an entirely un-timed event, and there are two different race distances: The rookie course and the all-star course. After a mandatory safety briefing, the all-star race starts first, with a 100m swim in the pool (four lengths). Since there’s no timing, people start one after the other, and pass if necessary, or just take their time. Participants then leave the pool area through the glass doors into the transition area on the grass, where bikes were staged. All-stars leave for their 5-mile bike ride, and will conclude the tri with a 2 mile run. The rookie course is much shorter with a 50m pool swim (two lengths), a 2 mile bike ride and 1/2 mile run

After the race, all participants are invited to a BBQ and to try out everything the Y has to offer, since the triathlon takes place in conjunction with the Y’s annual open house and membership drive.

Pre-registration for individual costs $15; Family registration costs $40 for up to four family members ($5 for each additional person). Day of race registration costs $20 and $45, respectively. Registration includes a cotton event shirt and post race BBQ.

Event Schedule:
9:00-9:45AM – Race check-in
9:45 AM – Mandatory meeting for all participants
10:00 AM – Race begins- All Star Course participants, followed by Rookie Course participants
11:00 AM – BBQ begins

Sherwood Family Triathlon details:
When: Saturday, August 20th
Where: Sherwood YMCA (map)
What: Family triathlon
Registration: Online here
Registration cost: $15 individual; $40 family of four ($5 for additional family members)