Clubs unite to stage kids triathlon

Two children running, to illustrate a story on an upcoming children's triathlon in Featherston. WAG 15Feb16 - FUN TIMES: Featherston is resurrecting its children's triathlon meet.

A children's triathlon is being resurrected in Featherston after a seven-year hiatus.

Athletics Featherston and the Featherston Amateur Swimming Club are joining forces to host Tri-Featherston on Saturday, February 20.

Boys and girls from 5 to 12 years old can enter the swimming, running and cycling event, which will begin at Featherston Pool and end at Card Reserve near the rugby club rooms.

There are four routes mapped out -- all different distances -- and children can choose the level they feel comfortable competing in.

Athletics Featherston committee member Tiffany North is one of the organisers.

"We've had an influx of new keen members and with the swimming club we decided it would be good to have another town event."

She said the focus of the triathlon was on "participation and completion". As a result there will not be prizes for the category winners, but all children who take part will receive a medal. At the end of the race the children will each be given a raffle ticket and spot prizes will be given out.

Prizes include swim tickets, RD1 sports kits, sporting equipment, bikes and scooters.

Mrs North said there had been a lot of support from the community for the event.

The prizes had been bought with a grant from the Featherston Community Board and a donation from Ironman competitor Dayle Harwood, a Featherston resident.

"We are a small committee and it's quite hard to organise something like this and joining with the swimming club we tapped into other networks -- people unconnected to either club who wanted to get involved with a town activity for the kids.

"We wanted to have a sporting event as there are no other joint sporting events in South Wairarapa and we wanted to provide something that local kids could easily get to and access," Mrs North said.

A barbecue will follow the prizegiving and families are welcome to take along their own picnic lunch. There will be a $5 charge per athlete, who are to arrive on the day at 9am to register. A welcome and briefing will take place at 9.45am, before the race kicks off at 10am.

The event will finish at 12.30pm and if weather is bad it will be postponed to the following Saturday, February 27.

Book a spot online at book@athleticsfeatherston.org.nz. Registration closes on Monday.