Kid's Triathlon

How has this idea enhanced your club's operation, etc.?

Each year, we host a Kid's Triathlon for our junior members, ages 5 years to 14 years old. We close the pool at 3pm, and have a professional timing company come in to help us get set up and ready for the race. We divide the children in three age groups, and they have varying distances to complete for swimming, biking, and running. The back nine holes of our course close for two hours for set up and implementation, but our younger members love that they are able to get out on the course in their own way. The race itself lasts about 25 minutes, and all participants and parents gather on our event lawn for awards and dinner. This event has grown over the last three years, and has brought a large group to the club on a Sunday evening when we are traditionally quieter. The Triathlon is now something our youth members look forward to each year, and are excited to work on beating their time. It also exposes our children to the golf course.

How was this idea implemented, and what have been the club members' reactions?

This idea was first implemented by a club member who is an avid Triathlon participant. The member gathered volunteers to assist with day-of check in, assistance starting off in the pool, directing participants on the golf course, helping children on/off their bikes, etc. The club orders participation medals for all athletes, and a trophy for both the male and female winner in each category, and winners are featured in our Club Newsletter. The Club brings in a timing company, and they get the athletes set up with race bibs, and take the time for each athlete and their photo as they cross the finish line. The day of the race, we close the front nine holes two hours before the race starts to put up bike racks, add caution tape where athletes need to be directed, and allow athletes to check in and get set up.

The members reaction has been overwhelmingly positive for this event. As we are in the shift towards becoming more family-focused, this blends children with the health and fitness craze that has taken over, and gives them exposure to the golf course. The parents are happy to have their children involved in the race, and some parents even run and bike with their children to cheer them on. The kids are excited to be a part of the competition, and even compare their race times from year to year.