Giving it a try

Hawk Island Kids Triathlon gives kids a taste of grown-up action

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Goldfish, dolphins and sharks took over Hawk Island Park Sunday swimming, biking and running in the fall Hawk Island Kids Triathlon.


Nearly 100 children ranging from toddlers to 14-year-olds competed.

Goldfish are the youngest age group going to age 6. Dolphins are 10 years old and younger. Sharks are 11 to 14 years old.


“The awesome thing about triathlon for kids, is that it's made up of the three things that sort of define childhood – swimming, biking, running,” said Bethany Hartzell, a member of the Lansing Triathlon Team which runs the event with the South Lansing Community Development Association. “We've designed courses that are age appropriate, including a swim portion where all the kids can touch at all times.”


Kathie Dunbar, director of the SLCDA, which created the Hawk Island Triathlon, said the kid races are held each spring and summer, on the Saturday after Memorial and Labor Days.


“Over the years we've had a lot of feedback from parents requesting a kid scale event for younger ones who saw how much fun their parents and siblings were having and wanted a piece of the action,” Dunbar said.


Dunbar said the benefits are more than physical. The children get a unique sense of accomplishment, as well.


“It is such a privilege to see these kids put it all out there,” Hartzell said. “The smiles on their faces as they cross the finish line are truly priceless! We look forward to growing this race with Kathie, year after year, just as she has done with the adult race she started in 2007. “


Dunbar said many community partners helped make the event possible.


“The Westside YMCA taught youth triathlon classes to prepare kids for our races, and their aquatics director Theresa Sheridan supervises the lifeguards on race day,” said Dunbar.


Buffalo Wild Wings, Bake n Cakes, Dunkin Donuts, Grand Traverse Pie Company, Big Apple and Breuggers Bagels, Foods for Living, Shaklee donate food and beverages. Playmakers and the Board of Water & Light were also sponsors.

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