Kids Tri

Our Kids Race

What to Expect

FIRST UP IS SWIMMING

  • The swim will start in waves, beginning with the 11-14 boys, then 11-14 girls, then 6-10 boys, then 6-10 girls.  See the race day schedule below for start times.  See our maps page for course maps.
  • The entire swim course will be at a water depth that will allow kids to touch if necessary.  We obviously want to see kids try their hardest, but we also want them to be safe!
  • Yes, some kids will probably try to run through the water 🙂  It’s ok.  Again, our hope is to create a positive experience for kids of all abilities.
  • Fast swimmers should line up to the front of the group and slow swimmers to the rear and or outside.
  • If you want less crowded areas, stay to the far right of the course. This will give you more room, as most swimmers want to stay close to the rope.
  • Please do not swim over other swimmers!
  • Volunteers will be in the water keeping an eye on the kids, and assisting where necessary.

FIRST TRANSITION (SWIM TO BIKE)

  • When you come out of the water, take off your swim goggles and swim cap immediately on exit. Run toward the transition area in the parking lot – follow the cones and look for the sign that says “swim in” and volunteers will help direct the kids.
  • Put on shorts, shirts, socks, shoes. Put on sunglasses, and helmet.
  • Helmets are required and chin strap must be fastened! Seriously, your kid will not be allowed to leave the transition area without their helmet.
  • Grab your bike off the rack and head toward the exit.  Volunteers will be present to guide kids in the right direction.
  • Do not mount your bike until you exit the transition area. Kids cannot ride in transition. Volunteers will remind them to run their bike out.
  • There will be a bike mount location with volunteers helping.

THE BIKE

  • The bike route will be contained completely within Millennium Park.  Kids will never be biking on, or crossing open roads or parking lots.
  • The entire bike route will be well marked with cones and chalk arrows.
  • We will post volunteers at any path intersection to make sure kids don’t get off course.
  • Note: The 6-10 age group will take ONE LAP on the bike course.  The 11-14 age group will take TWO LAPS on the bike course.
  • The bike course has one decent sized hill.  Nothing a kid can’t handle, but they should be familiar comfortable gaining speed down a hill and using their bakes to control the speed if necessary.

SECOND TRANSITION (BIKE TO RUN)

  • When you are coming towards the end of the bike course, slow down! Volunteers will be helping but please feel free to help!
  • You must dismount your bike before entering the transition area. Slow down before the dismount sign.
  • You may not ride your bike in or out of the transition area.
  • Jog easily with your bike to your rack. (your bike must go on the same rack, in the same position where it was staged at the beginning of the event) Your legs will probably feel like they’re made of stone. It will get better when you get out onto the run.
  • Put your running shoes on first. This way you can grab the other stuff (hat, gels, etc.) and put them on as you head toward the exit.

THE RUN

  • The run route will be contained completely within Millennium Park.  Kids will never be biking on, or crossing open roads or parking lots.
  • The entire bike route will be well marked with cones and chalk arrows.
  • We will post volunteers at any path intersection to make sure kids don’t get off course.
  • The run course is an out-and-back course, with the 6-10 age group covering 1k, and the 7-14 age group covering 2k.  The turnaround will be well marked and will have one aid station with water and Gatorade.

THE FINISH

  • Every participant will receive a medal at the finish.
  • Hotdogs and burgers will await!

Kids Race Schedule

  • 4:30 PM – Transition opens.
  • 5:45 PM – Mandatory pre-race meeting on the beach. All athletes must attend, and no athletes will be allowed in the transition area during this meeting.
  • 6:00 PM – 6-10 Boys
  • 6:02 PM – 6-10 Girls
  • 6:25 PM – 11-14 Boys
  • 6:27 PM – 11-14 Girls

Note: We will let the youngers complete their race before starting the older kids.  This will allow parents with kids in both races to watch both.

Age Groups

  • 6-10 years old
  • 11-14 years old

Kids (6-10) Course Maps
Kids (11-14) Course Maps
Kids Registration

What Parents Should Know

RACE DAY TIPS

  • Get to the transition area early. Transition area opens at 4:30 pm, NO EARLIER!
  • Please remove your gear from transition following the race. We need to make sure it’s all set up for the adult race the next day.
  • Get your body marked with your race number as you enter transition.
  • Check the pressure of your bike tires before you leave home AND before going into the transition area. If in doubt, bring a bike pump.
  • Place your bike in a rack and remember the rack position. Make sure your child sees the bike and knows how to find it when they run in.
  • Only one bike per athlete is allowed in the transition area.
  • Have your race numbers attached to your bike.

VERY IMPORTANT   We ask the parents to stay out of transition during the race to help minimize congestion.  Volunteers will be in there to assist if needed but it’s very important that they understand they are to do this by themselves.  Consider a run through of putting on tennis shoes and helmets, taking off the helmet, etc. prior to race day.