Last Sunday morning more than 65 kids swam, cycled and ran in the 11th annual Kids Try-a-Tri triathlon.
For many of them, this was their first time competing in a triathlon.
“It was lots of fun, I really like the exercise and sports in general,” said Maggie Beckner, competing in her second Try-a-Tri.
Race director Tiffany Lombaert was pleased with the turnout and how smoothly the race went.
“It was great to see more than 65 kids come race with us today. We had many locals as well as participants from Vernon, Kamloops and Nelson,” she said. “The race is growing every year.”
One of the highlights of the event is the Top Local Male and Female trophies.
“This is a great time to celebrate our racers from Salmon Arm,” said Lombaert.
The Kimmy Bews Memorial Award is awarded to the fastest male and female in the 14-plus age category.
Aidan Hepburn won this honour for the second year in a row and Maggie Beckner, who was actually in the 12-to-13 age category, won the female award.
“My strongest event was the run, and the other two were good,” said Beckner.
Lombaert says the triathlon could not have happened without the help of numerous volunteers.
“The volunteers are who make this race fun for the kids. I couldn’t do this without them.”
Lombaert is already looking forward to next year’s race which will take place on Sept. 20, 2015.