Young Athletes Shine at North Shore Youth Triathlon: Building Confidence Through Challenge
The early morning streets around Evanston Township High School (ETHS) buzzed with excitement last Sunday as nearly 200 young athletes took on the ultimate test of endurance, skill, and determination at the annual North Shore Youth Triathlon. From five-year-old first-timers to seasoned 14-year-old competitors, these young athletes proved that age is just a number when it comes to pushing personal boundaries.
A Race for Every Age and Ability
The beauty of the North Shore Youth Triathlon lies in its inclusive approach to competition. Organizers have carefully crafted different challenge levels to ensure every young athlete can participate safely while still experiencing the thrill of a multi-sport event.
The Peewee Division (Ages 5-6): The youngest participants tackled the "Splash and Dash" - a manageable two-pool-length swim followed by a 0.4-mile run. This introduction to triathlon competition helps build confidence while keeping the challenge age-appropriate.
Junior Division (Ages 7-10): These athletes completed a full triathlon experience with a 100-yard swim, 2.5-mile bike race, and 0.7-mile run.
Youth Division (Ages 11-14): The most experienced competitors faced the longest distances: a 200-yard swim, 5-mile bike race, and 1.2-mile run.
Community Partnership Makes It Possible
The success of this event stems from strong community collaboration. Precision Multisport, which provides coaching and training services to adult triathletes, partners with the non-profit Open Water Lake Swimmers to organize the event. The collaboration extends throughout the community, with support from:
- Evanston Police Department for traffic management
- Evanston Township High School for facility access
- Local sports clubs providing volunteers
- Previous partnerships with McGaw YMCA and Northwestern University
Craig Strong, owner of Precision Multisport, has been involved with the triathlon for about 15 years. He views the event as more than just a race - it's about "giving back to the community" and creating opportunities to "get kids active" and "get them to challenge themselves to do something new."
Building Confidence Through Challenge
What sets this triathlon apart isn't just the competition - it's the comprehensive support system designed to help every child succeed. The event recognizes that many participants are new to organized athletics and may feel overwhelmed by the multi-sport format.
The "Swim Angels" Program
Understanding that swimming often presents the biggest challenge for young athletes, organizers deploy "swim angels" - former triathletes who provide poolside support to children who might struggle with the required swimming distance. This safety net ensures that no child feels abandoned in the water while still maintaining the integrity of the challenge.
From Uncertainty to Achievement
Mary Bowman, the assistant race director, has witnessed countless transformations over the years. She notes that many participants initially "have no idea what they are doing" when they first arrive. However, children who commit to the program discover it's "a fun way to overcome an obstacle and do something they've never done before."
This transformation from uncertainty to confidence represents the true victory of the North Shore Youth Triathlon.
The Perfect Training Ground
The carefully selected course provides an ideal environment for young athletes to test their skills:
- Swimming: The controlled environment of the ETHS indoor pool ensures safety while providing a professional racing experience.
- Biking: The Dodge Avenue course extending to Lake Street offers a safe, well-monitored route with appropriate distance challenges.
- Running: The school perimeter pathways provide a secure finishing ground where families can cheer on their young athletes.
More Than Just a Race
The North Shore Youth Triathlon represents something larger than athletic competition. It's a community investment in youth development, confidence building, and healthy lifestyle promotion. The event demonstrates that with proper support, encouragement, and age-appropriate challenges, children can achieve far more than they initially believe possible.
For many participants, crossing that finish line represents their first major athletic accomplishment. The completion medals they receive symbolize not just finishing a race, but conquering self-doubt, pushing through discomfort, and discovering inner strength they didn't know they possessed.
As these young athletes return to their daily routines, they carry with them a powerful lesson: challenges that seem impossible at first glance become achievable with preparation, support, and determination. That's a life skill that extends far beyond any triathlon course.
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What is the age range of participants in the North Shore Youth Triathlon?
The North Shore Youth Triathlon is open to participants aged from five to 14 years old.
Who organizes the North Shore Youth Triathlon?
The North Shore Youth Triathlon is organized by Precision Multisport in conjunction with Open Water Lake Swimmers and enjoys support from the local community, including Evanston police, ETHS, and local sports club volunteers.
What are the lengths of the races in the North Shore Youth Triathlon?
For ages 5-6, there's a Splash and Dash with a swim and a 0.4-mile run. Ages 7-10 have a 100-yard swim, 2.5-mile bike race, and 0.7-mile run, while ages 11-14 face a 200-yard swim, 5-mile bike race, and 1.2-mile run.
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Source: https://evanstonnow.com/youngsters-flex-skills-at-north-shore-triathlon/
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