The McGaw YMCA partners with Northwestern University for the 4th Annual McGaw YMCA Youth Triathlon

On Sunday, July 8th, 225 kids from ages 5 to 14 took part in the 4th Annual McGaw YMCA Youth Triathlon. The swim took place in Northwestern University’s Sports Pavilion, the bike on Sheridan Road, and the run on Northwestern University’s landfill area.

This event attracts youth that may have never have had the opportunity to participate in a race of any kind, not even an individual swim race, or a bike race, or a road or track event. Kids who have never had a chance to showcase their skills and determination are often trying all three events together for the first time. Well-seasoned youth triathletes that are honing their race skills for higher-level competitition also participate. All the age groups compete in the same distances on the same course, and this year we had a an adaptive competitor who also completed the race. Lori Siegel, Associate Executive Director for Youth Development and longtime Aquatics Director at the McGaw Y said “when these young athletes of all levels cross the finish line you see huge smiles, and you know that their self confidence has grown between start line and the finish line.”

Lori added “For many families this may be the first triathlon they have attended and this becomes the catalyst for adults to say ‘if my child can do this, maybe I can,’ putting them on a path to becoming more active as individuals and as a family.”

11-14 year olds completed a 200 yard swim, 8k bike, and a 2k run; 7-10 year olds completed a 100 yard swim, 4k bike, and a 1k run; 5-6 year olds completed the “Splash & Dash” version of the event - a 50 yard swim and a ¼ mile run.

One of the features of this event is always the supportive feeling that the spectators provide for the competitors. People always stay to cheer on the last kid out of the pool, and no matter how long it takes for the last athletes to cross the final finish line, they will always find an appreciative crowd to applaud their accomplishment.

The event would not happen without the support of generous sponsors and groups of wonderful volunteers from the community. Thanks go to Northwestern University for hosting the event, and to their student athletes who volunteered on race day. BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois was the Platinum Sponsor, making it possible for us to positively impact so many youth, and they also sent a group of volunteers on the day. Kraft Foods and One Brick each sent volunteer contingents, who worked alongside community members, Board members and staff from the McGaw YMCA to make the day one to remember for the kids. Our thanks also go to sponsors Chicago Endurance Sports, the Evanston Running Club, Turin, Whole Foods, Fleet Feet, Chicago Athlete, and The Wellness Revolution.