Children and Triathlons

by POPSUGAR Moms 7

On your mark, get set, go! Much has been said about the importance of getting lil ones out of the house and outside to combat obesity, but are tots as young as three ready to take on a triathlon?

As the popularity of triathlons – which usually include a mix of running, biking and swimming – grows among adults, it is gaining even more interest with the younger set. Events designed especially for kids, such as the Silicon Valley Kids Triathlon allows up to 1,000 kiddos between three and 15 to participate in their event. For the small frys – children six and under – the race course includes a 25-yard swim, a one-mile bike ride and a quarter mile run. Other events, such as IronKids, based on the IronMan series of races, have the youngsters swim 50 meters, bike two miles and run 500 yards. Doctors warn that kids need to train for these races in order to avoid injuries and dehydration.

Though many of the events are untimed in an effort to reduce the competitive nature of the races, and all participants receive medals and recognition at the finish line, are such events a healthy way to get kids active?