CHARLES TWEED/Ponoka News
It will be the first triathlon of its kind in Ponoka.
The Ponoka Youth Triathlon will be hosted by the Emergency Tri-Services, and is designed to offer youths the opportunity to experience the sport of triathlon in a safe and positive environment while at the same time promoting fitness and activity.
“We’ll have in excess of 100 participants,” said RCMP Staff Sgt. Cameron Chisholm.
The triathlon, which consists of three disciplines — swim, bike and run — will weave its way through the community beginning at the Aquaplex where the swim portion will take place.
“There may be some parking restrictions and traffic will be restricted in the pool area for the event,” said Chisholm.
The kids will jump out of the pool and hop on their bikes heading north along the Battle River toward the dog park before turning back south and returning to the transition area.
From there, the kids will trade in their bike helmets for runners and head south along the river before making the turn and heading back to the Aquaplex.
The distances in the Ponoka triathlon will be shorter than those in adult or professional triathlons but will still offer a challenge to kids aged six to 18.
The event will cost only $5 per entrant and will rely on volunteers from the community to be a success.
Chisholm said that every participant would walk away with something and there are draw prizes for mountain bikes and IPods.
The triathlon will cause some traffic restrictions and closures throughout the day.
“The trails will be closed for a couple of hours between 11 (a.m.) and 1 (p.m.),” said Chisholm.