Darlington will again host the annual Tri for the Kids Youth Triathlon to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Georgia on Sunday, April 22, at 9 a.m. Now in its tenth year, the USA Triathlon-sanctioned event is sponsored by R.A.C.E. Rome.
"Tri for the Kids benefits such a great community partner for our school and our town," said event coordinator and Darlington pre-kindergarten teacher Beth (Bagby) Smith ('87). "It is wonderful to get to introduce many of the participants to a sport that is new to them—three that they already love—where they challenge themselves a little bit to string them all together."
Over the past nine years, Tri for the Kids has raised $138,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs. Last year, more than 160 athletes participated in the triathlon.
Tri for the Kids is open to participants age 6-15. Ages 6-9 will compete in a 50-yard swim inside Darlington's A.J. Huffman ('67) Memorial Athletic Center, a 2.3-mile bike ride on a closed portion of Cave Spring Road, and a half-mile run on the school's campus. Participants age 10-15 will complete a 100-yard swim, 4.6-mile bike
The triathlon is organized into three divisions. The elite division exists for athletes who compete often and want to take their competition to the next level. The beginner division is ideal for first-time triathletes or for those who want a more relaxed pace. A challenger division is also available for those with impaired physical mobility; race volunteers will be present along the course to assist athletes throughout the duration of the event.
Each award given on race day is hand-painted by the children at the Boys & Girls Clubs.
Race registration for Tri for the Kids is $35 per person until March 14, $40 until April 10, and $45 until April 18. All participants must be registered by April 18 at 10 p.m. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Georgia.
"Triathlon teams from larger neighboring cities come to Rome and always comment on the quality event that we have here," added Smith. "We also hear a lot about the volunteers and how great they are, on how beautiful the campus is, and how it is such a great day for the entire family."
Registration is available online at www.imathlete.com (original link is expired). For more information about the triathlon, please contact Beth Smith.
