Kids Triathlon Saturday Draws Out-of-Town Interest

For the third year in a row, Gilroy will get its full-speed helping of fun with kids running their own triathlon and experiencing its rewards in completing one.

The Gilroy Recreation Department will host its Saturday at for children ages five through thirteen, with the first wave of events shooting off bright and early at 8 a.m.

“It’s achievable and not anything too strenuous,” said Veronica Torrez, recreation coordinator for the City.

Competition will begin with a swim at the high school before cycling along the levee towards the run at the Gilroy Sports Park.

Torrez said any child is capable of participating, even if he or she can barely get on a bicycle. Training wheels and kick boards are allowed, and a helmet is required.

The triathlon is not part of the city budget. It is “purely and entirely” funded by donations, sponsors and the nominal registration fees, according to Torrez. The , and others have helped to make the event possible.

It costs $30 for a resident and $35 for a non-resident to participate, and this includes a t-shirt, drawstring-backpack and goodie-bag.

The new triathlon already attracts children outside of just Gilroy and Morgan Hill, according to Torrez. Parents bring their children from as far as Santa Cruz, Hollister and even Sacramento to participate in Gilroy’s event.

Almost immediately after the triathlon and the weekend wraps up, the recreation department begins work on its next project – the First Annual 5k Run. The run will take place October 29 at as a fundraiser for the City’s scholarship program for families.

On-site registration is available, but entry is not guaranteed. Fill out a registration form and fax it to the City Recreation Department, and call 408-846-0460 for more information.

Check back on Gilroy Patch this weekend to see how the young racers fared.