The 麻豆社国产Youth Triathlon may have a new race director for 2012 but kids competing can expect the same exciting race that has been a staple of the community for more than a decade.
The 12th annual event is set to take place on May 13 and first-time race director Mike Hedberg is no stranger to the race.
"I've been involved with the triathlon the last five years," he said. "Last year I helped co-ordinate the finish line and the year before helped in the transition area. Roz [Gilbert, past race director] was looking for some help and wanting some fresh ideas, so I came aboard."
The distance and divisions for the race remain unchanged. Kids are divided into six different categories, with distances for each discipline increasing with each age group. In each age group, there are categories for Individual Male, Individual Female and Relay Teams. Relay teams are two or three athletes, and can be male, female or mixed, but there is only one overall relay category in each age group. Relay team members must all be in the same age category.
Hedberg said there will be some changes to the course.
"One big change for this year is that we changed the finish line area," he said. "Now everything is focused in one area, with the finish line next to the transition area. Parents won't have to be running back and forth now if they have multiple kids competing and we just wanted it to be more centralized."
Another change is that there will now be a mandatory helmet check before kids go into the transition zone. Before kids enter the zone, they will be body marked and their helmet will be checked for proper fitting.
"We're stressing that if parents have any concerns about their kids' helmet to go to a local bike store to get properly fitted," he said. "We all know head injuries are something that have become very evident in the last little while and it's something that needs to be focused on."
Hedberg said parents will also not be allowed to enter the transition zone this year. He said there will be many volunteers to help kids get set up and parents running around can create a lot of havoc. The race is completely sold out, with 230 spots accounted for, but there is a waitlist for those hoping to take part.
Just like last year, community group tables will be set up at the finish line and Hedberg said he hopes his group's hard work pays off at the race.
"It's been a lot of work but it's a great event and we have a lot of returning and new sponsors that we want to thank," he said. "Now let's just keep our fingers crossed for good weather."
Hedberg added that the event is still looking for volunteers and anyone interested should visit www.squamishyouthtri.ca for more details on how to help out.
