news release

More than 400 children have already registered for the fourth annual Rotary Kids Triathlon, taking place Saturday, December 5, at the Victor Hart Sr. Community Enhancement Complex and Gifford Aquatic Center. With registration limited to 500 young athletes, organizers are encouraging families to secure their places before the event fills.

Presented by the Rotary Club of Vero Beach, the event brings children ages 6 to 13 together for a fun, safe swim-bike-run experience. The first three editions sold out, prompting organizers to expand this year’s capacity from 400 to 500 participants. Now in its fourth year, the Rotary Kids Triathlon has become one of the fastest-growing kids triathlons in Florida and was the largest in the state last year. The focus is on much more than racing: children are encouraged to set goals, build confidence and experience the excitement of crossing the finish line.

Junior athletes ages 6 to 9 will swim or wade 75 yards, bike one mile and run half a mile. Senior athletes ages 10 to 13 will complete 150 yards in the pool, a two-mile bike ride and a one-mile run. Mixed relay teams and an adaptive athlete division broaden the ways children can take part. Novice swimmers may wade in the heated pool, with lifeguards on hand; the bicycle course is closed to traffic and supported by volunteers and deputies.

Free preparatory swim, bike and run clinics help children become familiar with the different stages of the event, practice skills and gain confidence before race day. Every finisher earns a medal. Registered athletes are also eligible for an event T-shirt, commemorative towel and drypack backpack while supplies last, and trophies recognize top finishers by age and division.

Accessibility is central to the event’s mission. The Rotary Club of Vero Beach is committed to ensuring that no child is excluded because of cost, disability or skill level. Scholarships are available, and families needing assistance with equipment are encouraged to contact organizers.

The triathlon is made possible through a broad community partnership led by Indian River County and Treasure Coast Community Health, with important support from local volunteers and sponsors, including Diamond Sponsor Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation and Platinum Sponsor Dyer Subaru. Indian River County departments help make the venue, logistics and safe course possible.

Individual registration is $45, plus the online registration processing fee, and is available while places remain. Local residents and high school students can also volunteer for event setup and packet pickup on Friday, December 4, or for race-day support on Saturday, December 5.

Registration, clinics and volunteering:  http://www.KidsTriathlonVeroBeach.com