USAT National Junior Olympic Festival Invites Youth And Junior Triathletes To Colorado

Press Release: USA Triathlon invites kids and their families to experience the 2009 USA Triathlon National Junior Olympic Festival in Colorado Springs on August 8 – and stick around the enjoy all of the attractions of the beautiful Pike’s Peak region.

The Festival – scheduled for Memorial Park’s Prospect Lake on August 8 – will feature triathlon races for kids aged 7-15. Compete for the fun of it or race in the Youth National Championship with awards in six divisions.

“Even though the youth race is a championship for the 7 to 15 year olds, we are incorporating an open division for those kids just looking to participate. We want to remove the pressure of them competing in a championship event,” said USAT National Events Director Jeff Dyrek.

Also part of the day’s events are national championships for Youth Elite (age 13-15) and Junior Elite (age 16-19) athletes. All action will take place in and around Memorial Park in downtown Colorado Springs, with the swim leg in Prospect Lake.

Pre-event activities on Friday, August 7 will include a pancake breakfast followed by event registration. USA Triathlon Coaching Education will also be conducting a kids and parents clinic at the race site to offer tips on triathlon and orientation on the course.

Members of the U.S. National Team and U.S. Olympic Team are planning to provide support and encouragement to the kids on race day.

Get more details about the USAT Junior Olympic Festival. Or email USAT National Events for registration questions.

Youth Age Group Championship and Open Race (ages 7-15)
Ages 7-8 and 9-10
Swim 100 meters, bike 5 kilometers, run 1 kilometer

Ages 11-12 and 13-15
Swim 200 meters, bike 10 kilometers, run 2 kilometer

Youth Elite Championship (ages 13-15; draft legal)
Swim 375 meters, bike 10 kilometers, run 2.5 kilometers

Junior Elite Championship (ages 16-19; draft legal)
Swim 750 meters, bike 20 kilometers, run 5 kilometers

Colorado and Pike’s Peak Area: A Great Family Vacation Destination

Looking for other things to do while you are in the area? The Pike’s Peak Region is a great family vacation destination, with loads of activities for all ages.

To help you work up an appetite, visit one of our 50 major area attractions or take part in our unparalleled outdoor activity options. From mild to wild, you’ll find something new and exciting to do every day in Colorado Springs where there’s always another adventure waiting around the next mountain pass. Or the next block.

Go on a hike or take a white water rafting trip in the Rockies, take a train to the top of Pike’s Peak, drive to nearby Denver, experience the wildlife at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, see the amazing natural wonders of Garden of the Gods.