A little competition can be a lot of fun thanks to the staff at the St. Charles Park District.
There’s still time to register for the annual youth triathlon, Splashes Dashes and Spokes on Saturday, July 23. This kid-friendly competition invites children ages 5-15 to swim, run and bike in a timed event with awards for top finishers and goody bags for all participants.
Alex Hartzell, aquatic supervisor for the St. Charles Park District said the youth triathlon is the perfect opportunity for those who’ve always wanted to attempt a triathlon, perhaps after watching their parents compete.
“We have those competing for the first time and those who try to beat their times from previous year. It’s a great event,” Hartzell said.
The youth triathlon takes place in James O. Breen Community Park as participants swim in Crayfish Canal at Otter Cove Aquatic Park, bike through a closed parking lot course and run in the trails and grass. The race is broken down into three age groups with incrementally challenging distances. Those ages 5-7 swim 50 yards, bike one mile and run a half mile. Those ages 8-10 swim 100 yards, bike two miles and run a half mile and the 11-15 age group swims 200 yards, bikes five miles and runs one mile.
Advance registration is required, and the cost is $65 per child.
The competition isn’t just for the young this summer. Park District staff are excited for the return of the Disc Golf Frenzy on Saturday, July 30 for a third year. Players compete on 18 holes of disc golf on the course in James O. Breen Community Park.
“Everyone ages 12 and older is welcome,” said TC Hull, athletics, tournament and events supervisor for the St. Charles Park District.
Hull, who has been playing disc golf since he was a teen, said it’s a great sport and one that is easy to enjoy with many courses are free. While it’s a simple sport, it still has challenges.
“It’s not as easy as it looks and every course is different, with wind, trees and elevations that create different challenges,” Hull said.
Disc Golf Frenzy is a fun competition, and in past years participants have included siblings and even parent-child pairs.
“Last year we had an adult son fly in from New York to compete with his dad,” Hull said.
All participants receive a swag bag and there will be a prize for the top finishers.
Advance registration is required, with registration closing the night before the event. The cost to participate is $20 per player.