Triathlon introduces kids to sport

Young athletes can try out three sports Saturday during the annual Carson City Kids Triathlon at the Carson Aquatic Facility and the Mills Park area.

"It's a great family event for all different ages," said Kurt Meyer, director of operations for the aquatic facility. "It's really a whole lot of fun."

Meyer started the triathlon about seven years ago, after his niece asked him to help coach her for a similar competition in Reno.

Last year, the Tigersharks swim program took over hosting the event.

"It was an opportunity for the Tigersharks to do a little bit of fundraising, and they have the volunteers to do it," he said. "But its roots have totally and completely remained true."

It is open to boys and girls ages 4-18, with age-appropriate distances in swimming, biking and running. It runs 8 a.m.-noon.

Meyer said the course is hard enough that children will have to work but that it is achievable.

"It's a challenge for the kids," he said. "And the parents just love it."

Pre-registration at the Carson Aquatic Facility is recommended, but registrations also will be taken the morning of the race. Each participant will receive a triathlon T-shirt, and every finisher will receive a medal.

The cost is $15 for children who pre-register, $20 for race-day entries. For more information and segment distances, call the Carson Aquatic Facility at 887-2242 or Tamsen Bradley, vice president of the Tigersharks, at 443-8046.