Lake Charles Triathletes

AREA KIDS SWIM, BIKE, AND RUN
TO THE GATORKIDS TRIATHLON

The St. Theresa’s Senior Youth Group and Lake Charles Triathletes are joining together to host the Fourth Annual GatorKids Triathlon on Saturday, March 27th at 9:00 a.m. in Sulphur, LA.  According to race event organizer AunJelle LaFleur, the event is the only triathlon in the region designed for kids.  “Our goal is to provide an opportunity for kids and their families to exercise, train, and develop behaviors that support a healthy lifestyle.”

Childhood obesity is on the rise. In fact, one out of every four American children is obese. Overweight children are more prone to medical diseases, low self-esteem, depression and rejection by peers. 

The St. Theresa’s Senior Youth Group and Lake Charles Triathletes are committed to promoting healthy lifestyles in their community.  “Hosting this youth triathlon just one way we are accomplishing this goal”, says LaFleur.  In addition, funds raised will assist the St. Theresa’s Senior Youth Group attend World Youth Day in Madrid 2012.

LaFleur explains that a triathlon consists of a swim portion, a bike portion and finishes with a run. “There are no breaks between events so each child's overall race time will include their swim time, transition time from swim to bike, bike time, transition time from bike to run and run time.”

The Gator Kids Triathlon will begin at 9:00 am and the starting point will be the SPAR (Sulphur Parks and Recreation) Aquatic Center at 933 W. Parish Rd. in Sulphur, LA.  Registration is $25 prior to March 20th, $30 thereafter.  Registration forms are available at the SPAR Recreation & Aquatic Center or online at www.lakecharlestriathletes.com.  Triathlete packet pick-up is Friday, March 26th from 4:30 – 6:30 pm and Saturday, March 27th  before the race from 7:30 – 8:30 am.  Late registration will be available for $30 the day of the race, if space is available.

There are two age categories for the Gator Kids Triathlon, with corresponding distances for each;
* Grand Gators (USAT Seniors) 13-14 yrs old 200 meter swim/ 6 mile bike/ 1.5 miles run
* Petite Gators (USAT Juniors) 7-12 yrs old 100 meter swim/ 3 mile bike/ 0.75 mile run
Swimming will take place in the SPAR 50-meter Olympic size pool.  The bike and run routes will be clearly marked on roads adjacent to the recreation center and manned by volunteers who will help direct race participants.  The race routes will also be included in the registration packets.

Each GatorKid Triathlete finisher will receive a goody bag, GatorKids t-shirt, and an official USAT Medal.  The overall male and female finisher of each age category will receive a coveted trophy, gift certificate, and a monogrammed towel. Other prizes will be awarded in age group and school categories.

For more information, contact AunJelle LaFleur through email at ajattack@gmail.com or call 337-842-5879.