Young athletes love CayKids Tryathlon

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It was a great turnout Sunday morning at Smith Cove as the CayKids held another successful Tryathlon. More than 100 children turned up with parents and siblings in tow to swim in the sparkling seas, bike and run along South Church street.

Oceana MacMillan–Ord looks strong in the run. Close behind are are Emma Booker and Andrew Cummer.

The course for the younger group (7–10 year olds) included a swim within the buoyed area of Smith Cove, a 3 km bike ride south on South Church street, and then a 500 metre run towards Work of Art. The older age category (11–14 years old) did double the distance.

The winner of the Participation Challenge of the Schools was St. Ignatius, the winner of the last three events. The school turned out an impressive 71 kids.

Next was Cayman International (CIS), who, with a much smaller school population, gave everyone a run for their money. In total, kids competed from nine schools, showing the increasing popularity of the triathlon sport in the Cayman Islands.

First place individual winners in the older category were Anya Belfonte in the girls division and Matthew Courtis in the boys division. Turnout in the older group is increasing with every event, as more kids join up for the challenge, or move up from the younger division.

Everyone who participated earned a finisher’s medal, a certificate, t–shirts and loads of refreshments. Even though the pizza turned up just as the rains came, the kids managed to devour it all.

Organizers thanked Nestle MILO, sole sponsor of the CayKids program, as well as all the volunteers who helped organize, set up, coordinate and breakdown.

The next event for kids will be a Duathlon after Christmas.