World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) has added a military division to its national IronKids triathlon series. Now in its second season, IronKids is a global series with 12 triathlon races in the US and more than 15 triathlon, running and aquathon events throughout Europe and Asia Pacific.
IronKids participants, ranging in age from 6 to 15, compete in age-appropriate distances with an emphasis on fun and healthy competition. The IronKids Military Division will allow children of United States armed forces members to participate in a separate division at each of the 12 IronKids US domestic events. To be eligible for the military division, the participant’s parent or legal guardian must currently serve on active duty or be part of the National Guard and/or Reserves.
Those in the military division will race according to the age group they fall under – Ages 6-8, Ages 9-11 or Ages 12-15 – but will compete against each other for qualifying spots to the IronKids National Championship, taking place on 3 October in St Petersburg, Florida.
Adding to the excitement of race weekend, each IronKids event will see an opening ceremony by the Color Guard and volunteer support from local military members. The long-term goal of the IronKids Military Division is to create triathlon camps, clinics and mini-triathlons on military bases around the world – starting in countries where there is both US military and IronKids presence.
WTC acquired IronKids in 2007 from Sara Lee Corporation, which had owned the event series since 1985. IronKids’ events have seen more than 40,000 participants in its history. In its inaugural year, the IronKids National Triathlon Series hosted nine races, including a National Championship event in Tucson, Arizona, for youth ranging from 6 to 15 years of age.
This year, the series will see growth domestically as well as globally, with international licensed events taking place throughout Europe and Asia Pacific. National partners K-Swiss, Aqua Sphere and Timex support the IronKids brand, which itself includes triathlon events and licensed products.
The 2010 IronKids series will kick off on 15 May in Orlando, Florida, at Walt Disney World’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds. The complete race schedule is as follows:
May 15 IronKids Orlando, Florida
May 23 IronKids San Diego, California
Jun 13 IronKids Round Rock, Texas
Jun 27 IronKids Raleigh, North Carolina
Jul 11 IronKids Avon, Colorado
Jul 25 IronKids Carmel, Indiana
Aug 7 IronKids Boulder, Colorado
Aug 22 IronKids Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Aug 29 IronKids Seattle, Washington
Sep 12 IronKids Alpharetta, Georgia
Oct 3 IronKids St. Petersburg, Florida
Oct 3 IronKids National Championship – St Petersburg, Florida
"Adding a military division to the IronKids National Triathlon Series is something we are very proud of," said Michelle Payette, Director of IronKids. "Military families inspire us, and we look forward to their attendance and involvement at IronKids events."
Interactive on-site activities include an IronKids Expo, featuring product sampling, retail booths and activities as well as youth triathlon and nutrition clinics. The triathlon clinics, led by USAT-certified coaches and designed to teach the basics of triathlon, will take place approximately two weeks prior to each race, with a second clinic being held the day before each event.
