A children’s aquathlon (combination swim and run) will kick off the world’s largest multisport, mass participation, event weekend, on Saturday 8 August 2015 at London’s Docklands. Organised by London Triathlon and mi sport, 2015 marks the first time a children’s aquathlon will be hosted at the London Triathlon – ‘the world’s largest triathlon’.
The event consists of an open water swim leg in the Royal Victoria Docks, followed by a running leg along the Docklands. The participating children will experience the same excitement and adrenaline as the 13,000 adult triathletes at this iconic event, when they cross the finish line inside the ExCeL centre before crowds of spectators.
The addition of the children’s event to the normal race weekend is part of the organiser, IMG’s, bid to develop triathletes at an early age, increasing the appetite for multisport and hopefully growing awareness and interest in triathlon for future generations.
The distances are broken down into the following age categories:
- 9-10 years: 100m swim / 800m run
- 11-13 years: 200m swim / 1600m run
- 14-16 years: 300m swim / 2400m run
Offering the opportunity for children of all ages to get active at the London Triathlon, in addition to the aquathlon, children aged 4-14 will be able to enter a duathlon – a run-bike-run event, of varying distances.
Whilst under 4’s can also have their first foray into multisport with a scootathlon that combines a little bit of running with ‘cycling’ on a no-pedal bike or scooter.
Last year’s London Triathlon elite winner and British Super Series Champion Emma Pallant said, “Initially it was the rehab work from knee surgery that drew me to triathlon from a running career and I wish I had found it sooner. My coach, Michelle Dillon, took me on and taught me everything I know and in a sport that’s often classed as individual it’s so great to be a part of a team.”
She continued, “It’s fantastic to see the opportunities now available for youngsters as I would have loved to have taken the sport up much earlier. Triathlon is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK, and I’m not surprised, because it is such a holistic sport with so many opportunities and great events like the London Triathlon to be part of.”
James Robinson, Managing Director of event organisers IMG Challenger World, added, “A huge emphasis has been placed on parents to lead their children to live healthier lifestyles and to encourage them to get more involved in sports and fitness at a young age.
“Through the addition of the aquathlon, duathlon and scootathlon at London Triathlon we hope to be able to provide parents a fantastic platform to get their children excited about two different sporting disciplines, giving them a taste for triathlon and the excitement of being cheered on by thousands of spectators.”
Taking place on the morning of Saturday 8 August, entries for the children’s aquathlon will be priced at £22 and are available online at thelondontriathlon.com. All children will need to wear a wetsuit and goggles and will need to bring running kit to be able to take part in the event.
The duathlon takes place on both Saturday and Sunday. Entries are £18 with discounts for siblings. Full details are available at mi-sport.co/london-triathlon-8-9-august.
