Question:  How do I know if my child is ready for a tri?

Answer:  The only qualification that kids need is the ability to ride a bike without training wheels along with a big heart.



Question:  What does my child need to bring to the tri?

Answer:  Bike, helmet, running shoes and socks, swim gear, racing shirt or race belt, towel and fan club.

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Question:  What if I have problems with my bike before or during the triathlon?

Answer:  James Brothers bike shop will be providing bike maintenance before and during the race.

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Question:  What if my child is nervous about the swim?

Answer:  Keep in mind that the swim distances are age appropriate.  We will also have between 4 and 5 lifeguards at the race.  Both Auburn and Opelika have swim teams that children can join as well as swim lessons that are offered through both cities and Health Plus.

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Question:  How does my child prepare for the bike?

Answer:  The best way to prepare for the bike portion is to practice riding skills such as mounting the bike, dismounting, rounding curves.  Also designate a relatively flat course that is close to the race distance.  Training wheels are not allowed.

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Question:  How does my child prepare for the run portion:

Answer:  The key to running in this race is pacing yourself.  This is the hardest part for most kids.  Practice running at a comfortable pace.  Remind your kids that walking is allowed.

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Question:  What about safety?

Answer:  Safety is our most important concern.  We will have lifeguards at the pool.  We will have volunteers staffing the bike and run courses.  The Opelika police will close Andrews Road during the triathlon to insure safety.  We also have a safety and medical team on site during the event.

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​Question:  How will we know our child's finishing time?

Answer: All children will wear a tri tag around their ankle which will immediately record their split and finish times.  There will be a time trial start with a competitor entering the pool every 10 seconds and racing against the clock.

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Question:  Are parents allowed in transition?

Answer:  Parents are only allowed in transition during set up.  We will have volunteers in the transition area to assist competitors with shoe tying, etc.  Transition is something to practice at home before the tri.  Remember, no riding on the bike until you exit transition and you must have a bike helmet on during the bike portion.

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Question:  Do kids need to wear a swim cap?

Answer:  Yes.  You will receive a swim cap at packet pick up.  Swim caps help us identify participants in the water.

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Question:  Do they need to wear their race number? 

Answer:  Only during the bike and run portion.  They will have body marking done at packet pickup to help identify them during the swim.  Shirts must be worn during the bike and run portion.

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Question:  When is packet pickup?

Answer:  From 3-9p on Friday August 2nd at the Sportsplex and race day pickup from 6-7am.  We will have race bibs, swim caps, T-shirts, waivers, and body marking during packet pickup.

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Question:  What if there is bad weather?

Answer:  If the weather is so bad that safety is a concern we will attempt to reschedule for Sunday August 4th

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Question:  What if I have other questions?

Answer:  We will have a parent meeting at 7P at the Opelika Sportsplex on August 2nd.  Or email us at sportsplextriforkids@gmail.com



Question:  How should my child train for the Tri?

Answer:  See our training page.  Click here to go there now.  Check out transition videos on our facebook page.



 

​**5 year olds are allowed to participate in kids triathlon but will have to fill out paper registration available at Big Dog and Opelika Sportsplex.

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**Post race food will be provided by Chick fil A, Panera, and Earthfare, D squared, GiGi's and Marco's Pizza!! TCBY and Kona Ice will be available to purchase treats from with a portion of the proceeds going to the American Cancer Society.

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