BASS LAKE – Kids are invited to make a splash by participating in a swell new triathlon coming to Bass Lake on Saturday, Sept. 7.
Youth ages 5 to 17 can swim, bike and run to benefit North Fork school athletics. Anyone who joins in will benefit, too.
Registration is taking place now.
Bass Lake is already home to the popular Bass Lake Classic Triathlon held each June, and now will host an inaugural My Tri Mountain Area Youth Triathlon, centered around Miller’s Landing on Bass Lake’s south shore.
Registration packet pick-up, bike check and body markings start at 6 a.m. the day of the event. The race starts at 7 a.m. and awards ceremonies commence around 11 a.m.
The event has two categories in terms of race distance. The Junior Division includes a 50 yard swim, 1.5 mile bike ride and a half-mile run. In the Masters Division, kids will take on a 100 yard swim, with a four mile ride and one mile run.
Carrie Waltner is one of the event’s organizers.
“The idea of the My Tri Youth Triathlon was inspired by all the adorable kids cheering for their parents with signs and encouragement at the Bass Lake Tri back in May,” explains Waltner. “Then it hit us, wouldn’t these kids love to have an event all their own! So, some great parents and teachers from North Fork School, along with Miller’s Landing and the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau began to make it happen.”
Michelle Miller of Miller’s Landing intends to engage residents far and wide in the multi-stage competition.
“We wanted to promote healthy living and exercise in our mountain youth,” Miller says. “We thought this triathlon will be a great way to get kids into something healthy while having fun.”
The cost of entry is $25 per individual with a $5 discount offered to siblings, provided you register before Aug. 26. After the early bird deadline, rates go up to $30 for the first entry and siblings still receive a $5 discount off that fee.
Registration includes event t-shirt, lunch and a goody bag.
Visitors and participants can look forward to activities including a bounce house, sidewalk chalk art and even a sign-making station where kids can make signs to cheer on their family members and friends.
“We’re hoping to make this a big annual event and grow it each year,” continues Miller. “Our goal is to get kids excited about fitness while raising funds for local charities.”
It’s no secret that Bass Lake is an outstanding venue for a Tri, with challenging courses that all lead to fitness and fun. Anyone ages 5-17 is welcome to join My Tri.
Registration forms are available at Miller’s Landing and the Yosemite Sierra Visitor’s Bureau, or you can download registration forms at the website.
My Tri is on the lookout for a hoard of good volunteers to help make the event possible for all the athletes, anxious or not. Potential volunteers are invited to submit a volunteer application available on the website or contact cawaltner@yahoo.com.
Early sponsors for the event include Intermountain Nursery, Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau, Miller’s Landing Resort, Granite Construction and Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides.
Also lending a helping hand are the Children’s Educational Foundation, Cornerstone Custom Construction and North Fork Boatworks. Additional sponsors are still being sought.
For more information, including course layout and race extras, or to volunteer, sponsor or register for this tempting Tri go to www.mytribasslake.com
