Central Alberta children ran, swam and biked like their favourite superheroes during the second Abbey Centre Super Kids Triathlon Saturday.
Sixty-eight children competed between two age groups — five to seven and eight to 12 in Blackfalds.
Carol Simpson, Abbey Centre guest services officer and a co-organizer, said the introductory triathlon is fun, non-competitive and gives the young athletes exposure to multi sports.
There was a superhero theme to the triathlon for the second straight year.
“They loved it so much last year, we returned the theme this year. They think it’s great, and it’s great for the volunteers. I don’t know who has more fun, the kids or the volunteers,” said Simpson.
Several racers could be seen wearing superhero shirts and even a few with capes.
Planning for the second Super Kids Triathlon was a lot easier than the first, Simpson said.
“Last year was the inventing of the wheel — there’s always lots of hard work going into that first year. This year we’re kind of getting the fruits of our labour, and it didn’t take as much work because we had so much figured out and in place.
“For the most part we didn’t have to change a lot, which is great. It worked really well for us, but there are a few minor tweaks,” she said.
The amount of racers increased in the second year, but all 80 available spots weren’t filled.
Planning for this year’s triathlon began in February.
“It’s quite a process to get the sanctioning from Alberta Triathlon Association, which is very important to us. That ensures … the athletes have the safest environment possible,” she said.
Simpson said all the hard work definitely paid off.
“I was just talking with one of the volunteers, and I was saying how it just makes my heart full to see the kids, who are so cute, having fun with their smiles and picture-taking. It’s awesome,” she said.
The group hopes the triathlon becomes an annual event, she added.
“We’re run by the Town of Blackfalds so ultimately it will be up to them and the budget,” Simpson said.
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
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