Annual YMCA Kids Tri Expecting Largest Turnout Ever

DOYLESTOWN - River Crossing YMCA will host its annual Kids Triathlon at the Doylestown branch on Sunday, August 11. The YMCA Kids Tri has been an annual event for the community since 2008. This year’s race marks the first since YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties and Greater Valley YMCA joined together to become River Crossing YMCA.

The YMCA Kids Tri is a swim, bike and run event incorporating the pool, parking lots, and surrounding neighborhood streets. Courses are configured to the six-15 year old age groups, and feature a special “WeeBees” course for three to five-year olds accompanied by an adult. This year’s event continues the annual, inclusive “Compete to Complete” theme, and the event is nearly sold out with limited spots remaining.

"We can’t wait to host the children and families of our community at this year’s 14th annual YMCA Kids Triathlon,” said Race Director Justin Grand, associate executive for River Crossing YMCA. “Our race is a destination event for many new and returning athletes, serving as the culminating east coast event of USA Triathlon’s USA Kids Tri initiative. Athletes are currently representing eight states.”

The “Kids Tri Village,” providing shaded areas, refreshments, and entertainment, offers participants and their families opportunities to learn more about “Y for All,” the Y’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. The Y recognizes that individuals, families, and communities are diverse, and is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone belongs and succeeds. Activities include Bucks Bubbles Foam Party, bounce house, arts and crafts, and so much more.

“My hope for this year's race is that we maintain the local feel and the fabric of our community while truly serving as the national youth triathlon model,” Grand continued. “I cherish the stories we hear of youth athletes wearing their finisher medals to camp and to school in the days and weeks that follow their completion of the Kids Tri. They are so proud of their accomplishment, and it is our YMCA and the 200+ volunteers’ greatest joy to help our participants find their finish line.”

The Y’s 14th Annual Kids Triathlon is presented by The GIANT Company, Doylestown Health, Fred Beans Automotive Group and Penn Community Bank. The YMCA Kids Tri is supported by USA Triathlon, who is providing all participating athletes with Zone3 swim goggles, swim caps race fuel belts and a free USA Triathlon Annual Youth Membership. For more information and to register, families may visit http://www.ymcabhc.org/kids-tri. Registration is currently open, but spots are selling quickly, and closes Saturday August 10.

River Crossing YMCA (formerly YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties and Greater Valley YMCA) is a charitable, nonprofit organization committed to strengthening communities through membership and programs that foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility for all. Annually, the Y serves over 142,000 members and participants at its twelve member
branches, 13 early childhood centers, 20 summer camp locations and 37 school age child care programs. River Crossing YMCA provides over $12 million of community impact annually in the form of financial assistance to individuals and families in need and free programming for veterans, cancer survivors, older adults and more. To learn more visit ymcarivercrossing.org.