The Columbia Threadneedle Investments Boston Triathlon, organised by ethos, has announced plans for Kids Day at this year’s event. The annual triathlon returns to Carson Beach in South Boston on Saturday, July 23, 2022.
Designed to inspire health and fitness and introduce Greater Boston youth to multisport competition, Kids Day at the Columbia Threadneedle Investments Boston Triathlon will feature the USA Triathlon-sanctioned Kids Splash & Dash for athletes ages 7-15 as well as a Kids Fun Run for athletes under the age of seven. Youth groups from across the state are invited to participate, as well as individual children.
In April, the Columbia Threadneedle Investments Boston Triathlon named Amazon the Official Community Partner of Kids Day. Boston Triathlon is partnering with Amazon to make registration for Kids Day free to all participants.
“We are so excited to welcome kids of all ages again this year, and give them the opportunity to see what it’s like to be a multisport athlete in a safe, fun setting,” said Michael O’Neil, President of the Boston Triathlon.
“Kids Day at the Boston Triathlon will be a fun event for children from all around the region, and we hope that it will inspire them to develop a love for multisport competition.”
Jerome Smith, Head of Community Affairs for the New England Region at Amazon, said “Amazon is thrilled to be a part of the amazing experience that Boston Triathlon has created for kids in Greater Boston. It’s so important to inspire the kids in our community to seek out fun, healthy activities.
“We are delighted to help make the Boston Triathlon Kids Day accessible to all, and hope it will inspire Boston area youth to reach new heights.”
The annual Splash & Dash event introduces young athletes ages 7-15 to the sport of triathlon. Athletes will be placed in one of four age groups: ages 7-8, ages 9-10, ages 11-12, and ages 13-15. The 7-8 and 9-10 age groups will swim 100 yards and run an untimed 1K. The 11-12 age group will swim 200 yards and run an untimed 2K. The 13-15 age group will swim 200 yards and run a timed 2K.
Swimming will take place at Carson Beach in South Boston near the McCormack Bathhouse and will be in shallow water. The run will take place on the Harborwalk and Mother’s Rest Field.
“We are so grateful to our partners at Amazon and USA Triathlon for helping to make this event free for all kids for the first time,” O’Neil added.
“It is essential that we work with our amazing partners to create equal access opportunities for kids who live in Greater Boston.”
The Columbia Threadneedle Investments Boston Triathlon is also partnering with Youth Enrichment Services (YES) for the Kids Day event. YES is a non-profit organization based in Boston that provides local youth with year-round outdoor enrichment and leadership programs, including track & field, cross country running and skiing, snowboarding, and downhill skiing.
“YES is excited to again have the opportunity to introduce Greater Boston kids to competitive running and swimming activities,” said Bryan Van Dorpe, Executive Director for YES.
“Part of our mission is to provide Boston youth with enriching activities that they might not otherwise have the chance to experience, and we are proud to be able to bring this event to our kids in an easily accessible neighbourhood venue.”
