Tough kids take on triathlon

Yellow Jersey bike shop employee Thomas Richards (sitting) and Peter McMahon (back) with Haddon Kilmartin (left), who will be participating in the TuffKidz Triathlon on March 21. Photo: Sarah Harvey MA0810HL

SWIMMING, running and riding a bike are three of the great pleasures of childhood.

On Sunday, March 21 Ipswich’s gamest young sportspeople will be doing all three in the TuffKidz Triathlon at Ipswich State High School.

The triathlon, which is being organised and sponsored by Ipswich City Rotary Club, the Ipswich Hospital Foundation (IHF) and Ipswich Triathlon Club began in 1996 but was discontinued until last year, when 150 kids competed.

This year event co-ordinator, Ipswich City Rotary’s Peter McMahon, is hoping to double that.

The Ipswich State High School provides the perfect venue, with kids not having to cross any roads.

“The whole objective is to allow primary school kids to go in triathlons,” McMahon said.

“If we produce another (triathlon world champion) Kym Jaenke fantastic. If not, that’s fine.

“It is the opportunity for them to share in a very simple activity.

“What we see on the day is kids working hard, enjoying themselves and being proud just for participating.”

The race will be over different distances for students in grades one to three (500m bike ride, 50m swim, 600m run), grade four (1000m ride, 100m swim, 600m run), grade five (1225m ride, 150m swim, 900m run) and grades six to seven (1500m run, 150m swim, 1200m run).

Jaenke got her first taste of triathlon in a TuffKidz event and national cycling champion Thomas Richards was a TuffKid before he decided to specialise on the bike.

“Probably the last one I did I was about 12,” Richards said

“Just the personal satisfaction of finishing, (was the best thing).

“Even when you’re that young you like to be competitive.

“It’s good to see young kids getting into it.”

Haddon Kilmartin is nine but driven by a competitive nature.

The Westside Christian College grade five student is competing in the event for the first time.

“Just because I like cycling,” Haddon explained.

“I’m a fairly good runner but I’m not a brilliant swimmer. I’ve been practising my cycling and running and a bit of swimming.”

Haddon has his own goal and it is all about self improvement.

“I want to win so I can keep going up the grades.”

After the racing, Rotary and the Yellow Jersey Bike Club will give a bike away in a random draw as well as goggles, kick boards and water bottles.

For more information call Peter McMahon on 3812 2923, Councillor Cheryl Bromage on 3810 6556 or the IHF on 3813 6201.