Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, April 6, 1990 TAG: 9004060230
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: TRACY VAN MOORLEHEM STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The triathalon, open to boys and girl ages 7-14, will be held in 16 cities across the United States. For the first time, Roanoke has been chosen to host a race this year.
The two-day event is scheduled for July 7-8 at Fallon Park in Southeast Roanoke. Entrants will be split into two age groups: seniors ages 11-14 and juniors ages 7-10. These groups also will be split into boys' and girls' divisions.
For seniors the race consists of swimming 200 yards, biking six miles and running one mile. Juniors will swim, bike and run half those distances. Five winners and their parents, the winner of each division and one randomly drawn entrant, will win expense-paid trips to Dallas for the national triathalon.
Before they can participate, however, children and their parents must attend a July 7 orientation session consisting of lessons about fitness and nutrition.
The purpose of the race is to teach children to enjoy lifetime sports, Davis said. YMCA Executive Director Cal Johnson said the best thing about the event is that it teaches children that exercise can be fun. "The YMCA will have a series of Saturday workshops in May and June to give kids information about training," he said.
The event is co-sponsored by the Rainbo Bakery and the YMCA of Roanoke Valley.
There is an entrance fee of $10 and two Rainbo bread proofs of purchase. Entrants receive a packet of novelties including a cap and shoelaces. Registration forms are printed on packages of Rainbo bread or can be picked up at the YMCA eight weeks before the event. For more information call the YMCA at (703) 343-2476.
by CNB