Saplingathlon kids' duathlon info
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Registration is open- click here!
Welcome to the 2012 Saplingathlon, to be held on February 26th, 2012! The Saplingathlon is a FUN race for kids who like to ride their bikes and run around (i.e., ALL kids). It's also a great way to introduce your little ones to the sport of triathlon.
The Saplingathlon will start after the Treeathlon at 12:00 PM. The format of the race is a "fun activity" (see below) followed by the biking leg, followed by a run. There is no swim in the Saplingathlon.
Children will be divided into the following age groups, with the following approximate distances:
Age 5 and under (Acorns): 0.5 mile bike, 0.1 mile run (course map)
Age 6-7 (Pinecones): 1.2 mile bike, 0.25 mile run (course map)
Age 8-9 (Twigs): 2.4 mile bike, 0.6 mile run (course map)
Age 10-12 (Firewood): 3.6 mile bike, 1.2 mile run (course map)
Children will go in waves, starting with the younger children first. The race will have the same finish location as the Treeathlon.
Race-day details
The races will be held at 1600 Seaport Blvd in Redwood City.
Race-day packet pickup will begin at 10:30 and will close at 11:30. The Saplingathlon will begin at 12:00 PM according to the following waves:
12:00: Acorns wave 1 start (ages 5 and under)
12:20: Acorns wave 2 start (ages 5 and under)
12:40: Pinecones start (6-7 years)
1:00: Twigs start (8-9 years)
1:20: Firewood start (10-12 years)
These are approximate times - we will try to begin according to this schedule, but also keeping the athletes' safety in mind.
All Saplingathlon racers are required to have a bike and a helmet. They will not be allowed to race without a helmet.
Awards for each wave will be delivered following the end of each age group race in order to prevent unnecessary delays for the children.
There will be drinks and fruit provided at the finish line. However, because the race is held over lunchtime, please plan accordingly and bring snacks if you feel it is necessary for your child. We chose to move the starting time later this year, to allow for better coordination with the adults' Treeathlon race and to prevent children from racing in the cold of the morning.
Weather forecast:
The weather in late February is usually a mixture of clouds and sun, with highs in the 60s.
Directions:
Take Highway 101. Exit Woodside Road / Seaport Blvd exit. Go NORTH on Seaport Blvd. Head to the end of Seaport Blvd until you reach an office park, where you will see a big sign for "Pacific Shores Center". Please look carefully for Saplingathlon signs after entering the Pacific Shores Center complex. You will turn right and drive on the inside lane. Drive slowly, as there will be many children around. Follow signs for the appropriate parking (see below for more details).
From I-280 North or South, take the Woodside Road exit, and follow Woodside Road NORTH until it crosses under 101 and becomes Seaport Blvd. From there follow the directions above.
Please note that within the Pacific Shores Center, you will always drive counterclockwise on the inside lane.
Parking:
There will be parking set aside specifically for parents of Saplingathlon participants. This will be at 1500/1600 Seaport Blvd (~0.5 mile on the left after entering the Pacific Shores Center), just across the street from the race start! Look for signs.
For more details, have a look at the Parking Map.
PLEASE DO NOT PARK ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE PACIFIC SHORES CENTER.
Parents
With the exception of parents of Acorns, no parents are allowed on the course during the Saplingathlon. For the Acorns, one parent may be on the course to provide encouragement, wipe away tears, or carry sippy cups and snacks. Volunteers will monitor and assist kids of all age groups on the course.
Required Equipment
Each child needs sneakers, a bike or trike, and a properly fitting ANSI-approved bike helmet. (You must have each of these items to participate.) Triathlon-specific bicycles and shoes may be used if a child has them, but regular bikes with banana seats, baskets, streamers, and Barbie stickers, or mountain/BMX bikes are welcome and encouraged for the Saplingathlon.
Fun-Bike-Run
In order to avoid a mass bike start, there will be a fun, short and somewhat challenging activity for all kids to perform before they get on their bikes. (This makes the race less like a duathlon and more like a triathlon of fun-bike-run.) The "fun" activity will be announced on race day - examples of possible fun activities include: making a paper airplane, running a small obstacle course, hula hooping, jumping rope, hopscotch, or (for the Acorns) just throwing a ball in the right direction.
Entertainment
To keep your children occupied while they are not biking and running, there will be a jump house (aka moon bounce) for them to play in.
Prizes
All Saplingathlon participants will receive a t-shirt and a finisher's medal.
Cost and Registration
The Saplingathlon costs:
Acorns (Age 5 and under): $20
Pinecones (Ages 6-7): $25
Twigs (Age 8-9): $25
Firewood (Age 10-12): $30
After February 12th, the registration costs increase by $10.