This story has been updated with placements for youth triathlon athletes.
By Chris Spangler
After being postponed a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 13th annual Fort Youth Triathlon took place Saturday, July 31, at Rock River Park in Fort Atkinson.
Organized by the Fort Atkinson Parks and Recreation Department, the event made a big splash, drawing 100 children ages 7-14.
It started out with a swim in at Fort Family Aquatic Center, followed by a bicycle ride and then run throughout Rock River Park.
Children ages 7 and 8 competed in a 50-meter swim, three-mile bike ride and half-mile run, while youngsters 9 and 10 swam 100 meters, bicycled three miles and ran a half-mile. Those age 11-14 swam 150 meters, biked six miles and ran three-quarters of a mile.
Volunteers ran and biked alongside participants to help and encourage them. They also assisted them alongside the pool.
All finishers received a medal and awards were presented to the top three boys and girls in each age group.
The Fort Youth Triathlon’s goal is to promote health and wellness in young people so that they develop a healthy lifestyle that will become something that each person will practice for the rest of their life, according to the Parks and Recreation Department.
Gold sponsors of the triathlon were Day Insurance, Fort HealthCare, 2 Rivers Bicycle & Outdoor and the Nike Clearance Store of Johnson Creek.
Winners of the event have not yet been announced. This story may be updated.
Following are photographs from the event.
Above three: Youth participate in swimming events at the Fort Atkinson Aquatic Center during the 13th annual Fort Youth Triathlon on Saturday.
Above four: Youth participate in the bicycling portion of the 13th annual Fort Youth Triathlon on Saturday. The bicycling portion of the event was held in Rock River Park.
Above seven: Triathlon athletes finish the event with a run through Rock River Park.
Chris Spangler photos.
A video of the event is found here. Video submitted by Chris Spangler.
Following are placement scores in each of four age-group categories.