JUNIORS EVENT:
The Junior Triathlon is a mixture of non-competitive and competitive (once a month there is a set course that is timed) event involving the three disciplines of triathlon. Junior athletes will complete a swim, bike and run leg each week. The idea is for kids to be introduced to the sport of triathlon in a fun and safe environment where the only thing that matters is that they race safely and enjoy themselves. There is no weekly commitment. On non-competitive weeks, the kids determine what distances they would like to complete for each of the three disciplines. An adult must sign and register the child each week.
There are no minimum or maximum ages but a rough guide is 4 to 12 years.
Registration starts at 07.30am with the race commencing at 8am. A race briefing is held at roughly 7.55am. The race is usually completed by 8.30am and concludes with a random draw prize and the presentation of our Triathlete of the Week.
Twin Towns Triathlon juniors in 2020-21 season.
Cost each week is $5 for Tri club members / under 6yrs and $7 for non-members.
Entry fee gives the child access to the Oasis pool before and after the race. Awards will be presented to kids at the end of the season for consistent racing throughout the year. As a general rule, those who complete more than 50% of races will be awarded a trophy while those who participate in less will receive a medallion.
Twin Towns Club membership is $13.20 per year ($11 for Twin Towns Services Club and $2 for the Triathlon Club), and a parent must be a member of Twin Towns Club for the child to become a member. Membership forms can be obtained from Twin Towns Services Clubs.
Active Kids Grant
We encourage families to register for the Active Kids Grant (NSW). By doing so, all registration costs will be waived for the year as the young athlete will have all entries covered. Those who claim the Active Kids Grant must be members of Twin Towns Services Club and the Triathlon Club (details outlined above).
TWIN TOWNS TRIATHLON CLUB OPERATES ON NSW TIME
THE COURSE
SWIM (non-competitive)
The swim leg is conducted in a 25 metre indoor pool. Swim distance lap to a maximum of 200 metres (8 laps). As a guide, at a minimum the child needs to be able to swim UNASSISTED (dog paddle is fine) for 10 metres. For those who struggle, it is fine for parents to accompany their child. Multi-lap swimmers are encouraged to swim up the left side of the line.
BIKE (non-competitive)
The bike course is a minimum distance of 800m to a maximum of 4.8km. Children can do no more than six laps. Small children still on training wheels have a separate short course. Bikes in any shape and form are fine. Shoes, bike helmet and shirt (rash shirt is fine) are to be worn during the bike and run legs. The bike leg is conducted on a service road free of motor vehicles.
RUN (non-competitive)
Run is a minimum of 600m (1 lap) to a maximum of 1 km (2 laps). The run course sees the young athletes complete a lap of the netball courts.
Timed events
As mentioned, each month, there is a timed race with set distances. Our young athletes can nominate to complete either the Blue, Green or Red course. The purpose is to allow children to see their progression across the season. The distances of each course are outlined below.
| Course | Swim | Bike | Run |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full (Red) | 200m (4 laps) | 4.8km (6 laps) | 1.8km (3 laps) |
| Intermediate (Blue) | 50m (1 lap) | 3.2km (4 laps) | 1.2km (2 laps) |
| Sprint (Green) | 25m (half a lap) | 1.6km (2 laps) | 600m (1 lap) |
We welcome any support and assistance from parents where and when they can, such as marshalling at given points on the course. It is essential to have enough marshalls. Please make yourself known to the coordinator.
Safety is imperative
Each race will always commence with a briefing where our young athletes are reminded of the safe practices that need to be on display each week. Triathlon is always the most fun when everyone ends a race with their skin in one piece. The bike leg is obviously the most activity with the highest level of risk, but it is not to say that the other two legs are immune from small accidents. Please ensure your child understands the safety expectations outlined below.
In the pool
- Athletes must enter the pool with caution and ensure they are not jumping on another athlete
- Multi-lap swimmers must form a circuit by swimming on the left hand side of the lane
- Those who tire are welcome to hold the side of the pool. If in distress, an athlete must raise their hand to indicate they require assistance
On the bike
- All athletes must have their torso covered
- Shoes must be worn on the bike course
- Helmets must be done up before an athlete’s bike is mounted
- Bikes must only be mounted once an athlete has passed the yellow ‘mount’ line
- When riding, keep to the left of the witches hat and be careful at the turn around point, they can be slippery due to loose gravel
- Passing another athlete must be accompanied with a bell or calling out “passing” or “on your right”. Passing must only occur on the right hand side of a slower athlete and without going outside of the markers
- All athletes must dismount prior to the yellow line
- Helmets must remain on until bikes have been racked where it came from
On the run
- Shoes and shirts must be worn on the run
- Keep to the left on the path near the lake
- Watch for bikes near the commencement of the run
A safe race is a fun race!!