Kids get ready to swim, bike, run in Carson City

The Carson City Kids Triathlon, now in its 10th year, has become an annual tradition for families.

“It’s a great program,” said Director Kurt Meyer. “I have parents that schedule their vacations around participating in this program.”

The July 20 triathlon begins with a swim at the Carson Aquatic Center. Participants then will cycle on the sidewalks around Mills Park and finish with a run through the park.

Distances vary depending on age, which ranges from 4-18.

Meyer, the recreation manager in charge of the aquatic center, said the triathlon began as a competition, with awards going to top finishers. That has changed.

“We give everybody a medal, and everybody gets a T-shirt,” he said. “The awards wasn’t what it was all about. The little girl coming in on the pink tricycle with her helmet on backwards is what it’s all about.”

And the distances are age-appropriate, he said, with the 4- to 6-year-olds swimming 25 yards, biking 0.4 mile and running 0.4 mile while the 13-18 age group will swim 200 meters, bike 2.6 miles and run 1.3 miles.

“The distances aren’t going to be overwhelming for youngsters,” Meyer said. “The smaller the kids, the less the distance.”

Start times are staggered, with the oldest group starting at 8 a.m. and the youngest at 10:30 a.m. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m., and participants must check in and be ready 30 minutes before the designated start time.

Participants must provide their own bikes and helmets.

Registration is $15 until Thursday and can be done at Active.com or at the Carson Aquatic Facility, 841 N. Roop St. Same-day registration is $20.