I heard triathlons are expensive. How much does it cost?
Nothing! It is FREE! Some triathlons can be rather pricey and out of reach for some families, which is why we work extra hard to ensure all financial barriers have been removed. We can even loan you bikes, helmets, and life jackets!
My kids are little. What ages can participate?
This fun event is for kids aged 3-13! There will be separate races for each age division, each with its own colour. Each race will have “waves” of athletes starting a few minutes apart. This means that a few children will start the swim at one time, and then a few minutes later another few children will start. This makes it less overwhelming for the children.
Is this triathlon for serious athletes?
Our race is designed for fun, not for serious competition. There will not be any timing, and everyone will receive finisher’s medal. We want all children to have a fun and successful experience.
My kids don’t have bikes. Can they participate?
You bet! We can supply your children with a bike, helmet, and shoes – just let us know what you need!
My kids don’t know how to swim. Can they participate?
We get a lot of questions about the swim! The simple answer is: yes. Because the water at our beach is so shallow the kids can just run and splash through the swim course. We will have lifeguards and volunteers in the water, and they can wear a life jacket to feel extra confident (their own or one of ours). If that still sounds too much, they can choose not to participate in the swim portion of the race and still complete the bike and run portions (they would still receive a medal) – please let us know ahead of time to avoid Race Day confusion.
To further ease the minds of worried parents, we went into the lake to measure just how deep the lake is. It was a little wet and chilly, but great for a laugh! Here are the depth measurements by distance from shore:
· At 15 m - 14” deep
· At 25 m - 14” deep
· At 50 m - 17” deep
· At 75 m - 32” deep
As you can see from the measurements above, the swim portion will be more like a run through a giant puddle!
My kids don’t know how to ride a bike. Can they participate?
Yes, your children can complete the swim and run portions of the race. Please set this up with us ahead of time to avoid Race Day confusion.
Why do I have to register? Can’t we just show up?
Planning this event is a major undertaking, and we need to have an idea of the numbers to make this work well. There are medals to order, t-shirts, bike racks, refreshments, first aid and lifeguard ratios, race bibs, race caps… and we are relying on volunteers and donations for all of it.
Once the spots are filled, we will close registrations.
What does my child need to participate?
All your child needs is a bicycle or tricycle, PROPERLY FITTED bike helmet with functional chin strap, swim suit, goggles (optional), running shoes, shorts and shirt, hat, towels and sunscreen.
How does my child get his/her name on their race bib?
You must have your child registered prior to June 1st in order to have his or her name on the bib.
My child doesn't like the colour of his swim cap. Can we exchange it?
For safety reasons all children must wear the designated, numbered swim cap.
This sounds confusing for little ones. How will my child know where to go on the race course?
The race course is well marked with traffic cones and numerous volunteers are strategically placed throughout the course to provide direction and support. We will also have lead cyclists and runners (wearing bunny ears) to help -the race format literally becomes a game of follow the leader!
Can my child use any stroke in the swim portion?
Yes, whatever stroke the athlete is comfortable with. You can even make up your own, as lots of tired adults do in their races too! J Please remember that the water on our beach is VERY shallow, so your child will essentially be running through the water.
Can my child stand in the lake or walk if they get tired?
Most certainly! We are fortunate to have the perfect, shallow beach for our race.
Is this a timed event?
No, it is NOT a timed event. We encourage and celebrate participation. Everyone who participates, wins!
How do we get our equipment out of transition?
Once your child (ren) are finished their race you may collect their gear from transition under the direction of the volunteers in transition. Their job is to make sure it is safe for parents to collect from transition while the race is still going on. PLEASE NOTE: The race organizers are not responsible for lost gear.
Can I participate in the triathlon with my child?
Yes and no. It is strictly a children’s event and we encourage kids to participate on their own, however exceptions can be made for our little ones who need extra support, or for our special older athletes who need support (athletes with autism, etc.). Our volunteers are experienced and are there to assist all participants throughout the event.
Is my child safe on the course?
Safety is our highest priority. Parents need to understand that participating in a sporting event like a triathlon has, by its nature, elements of risk, as do all sports. You can help make your child’s experience the safest and most enjoyable by practicing before the race to improve their skills and increase their confidence. The roads will be closed to (all but local) traffic, there are lifeguards in the water, volunteers on each corner, as well as the St. John’s Ambulance Brigade and our local physician in the park.
How do I volunteer for one of the races?
Thank you for your interest in volunteering. It is a rewarding experience and you will not be disappointed. Head back to the “Volunteer” tab and you will be directed to our Volunteer Registration page.
Are parents allowed in transition?
Parents are allowed in to help set up their child’s gear before the race. During the race, only athletes and volunteers will be permitted in the transition zone. Our volunteers will assist the athletes (especially the little dudes). If every child brings his or her family into the transition zone, along with dogs and cameras… it turns into a zoo! If you know that your child needs a little extra TLC you can come in to help, but generally things run more smoothly and are less chaotic if there are less people in the transition area.
What about cars on the road?
The roads will be closed off by the Department of Transportation; however there may still be the odd car on the course. We will have volunteers on the course to direct traffic (as well as to tell kids when to turn, to offer them drinks, and to apply Band-Aids). All residents and business owners will receive a letter ahead of time asking for their cooperation in staying off the roads for our race.
Do they need to wear a helmet?
YES. No one will be allowed to bike without a helmet. Transition volunteers will make sure no athletes leave the transition zone without a helmet that is fastened! If this presents a financial challenge, please let us know and we will arrange to provide your child with a helmet.
How can I help my child have a wonderful experience?
Read the information in its entirety, arrive early, be organized, bring lots of supporters and have FUN!
What happens in inclement weather?
The race goes on rain or shine; however we made need to cancel the swim portion. In the case of lightening the race will be delayed or stopped immediately if in progress. The race will not resume until 30 minutes after the last incidence of lightening. If the road conditions are unsafe due to rain the bike portion of the race will be cancelled and a swim - run event will take place.
I heard this was a PAC event? How much school money is used for this?
The race was started by a group of parents, who happened to be on the Okanagan Falls Elementary PAC. To ensure the longevity of the race, a non-profit race society has been created. The Okanagan Falls Elementary School is one of the race partners, as is the Okanagan Falls Parks and Recreation Department.
In 2013 both the Okanagan Falls Elementary School and its PAC donated $75.00 to purchase a bike rack (one for each group). All other funding has been generated through grants and sponsorship, none of which had any effect on school funding.
How long is the race?
Each age division has a different distance. The races will take between 10 and 25 minutes, depending on the age of the kids. The distances are below:
Nothing! It is FREE! Some triathlons can be rather pricey and out of reach for some families, which is why we work extra hard to ensure all financial barriers have been removed. We can even loan you bikes, helmets, and life jackets!
My kids are little. What ages can participate?
This fun event is for kids aged 3-13! There will be separate races for each age division, each with its own colour. Each race will have “waves” of athletes starting a few minutes apart. This means that a few children will start the swim at one time, and then a few minutes later another few children will start. This makes it less overwhelming for the children.
Is this triathlon for serious athletes?
Our race is designed for fun, not for serious competition. There will not be any timing, and everyone will receive finisher’s medal. We want all children to have a fun and successful experience.
My kids don’t have bikes. Can they participate?
You bet! We can supply your children with a bike, helmet, and shoes – just let us know what you need!
My kids don’t know how to swim. Can they participate?
We get a lot of questions about the swim! The simple answer is: yes. Because the water at our beach is so shallow the kids can just run and splash through the swim course. We will have lifeguards and volunteers in the water, and they can wear a life jacket to feel extra confident (their own or one of ours). If that still sounds too much, they can choose not to participate in the swim portion of the race and still complete the bike and run portions (they would still receive a medal) – please let us know ahead of time to avoid Race Day confusion.
To further ease the minds of worried parents, we went into the lake to measure just how deep the lake is. It was a little wet and chilly, but great for a laugh! Here are the depth measurements by distance from shore:
· At 15 m - 14” deep
· At 25 m - 14” deep
· At 50 m - 17” deep
· At 75 m - 32” deep
As you can see from the measurements above, the swim portion will be more like a run through a giant puddle!
My kids don’t know how to ride a bike. Can they participate?
Yes, your children can complete the swim and run portions of the race. Please set this up with us ahead of time to avoid Race Day confusion.
Why do I have to register? Can’t we just show up?
Planning this event is a major undertaking, and we need to have an idea of the numbers to make this work well. There are medals to order, t-shirts, bike racks, refreshments, first aid and lifeguard ratios, race bibs, race caps… and we are relying on volunteers and donations for all of it.
Once the spots are filled, we will close registrations.
What does my child need to participate?
All your child needs is a bicycle or tricycle, PROPERLY FITTED bike helmet with functional chin strap, swim suit, goggles (optional), running shoes, shorts and shirt, hat, towels and sunscreen.
How does my child get his/her name on their race bib?
You must have your child registered prior to June 1st in order to have his or her name on the bib.
My child doesn't like the colour of his swim cap. Can we exchange it?
For safety reasons all children must wear the designated, numbered swim cap.
This sounds confusing for little ones. How will my child know where to go on the race course?
The race course is well marked with traffic cones and numerous volunteers are strategically placed throughout the course to provide direction and support. We will also have lead cyclists and runners (wearing bunny ears) to help -the race format literally becomes a game of follow the leader!
Can my child use any stroke in the swim portion?
Yes, whatever stroke the athlete is comfortable with. You can even make up your own, as lots of tired adults do in their races too! J Please remember that the water on our beach is VERY shallow, so your child will essentially be running through the water.
Can my child stand in the lake or walk if they get tired?
Most certainly! We are fortunate to have the perfect, shallow beach for our race.
Is this a timed event?
No, it is NOT a timed event. We encourage and celebrate participation. Everyone who participates, wins!
How do we get our equipment out of transition?
Once your child (ren) are finished their race you may collect their gear from transition under the direction of the volunteers in transition. Their job is to make sure it is safe for parents to collect from transition while the race is still going on. PLEASE NOTE: The race organizers are not responsible for lost gear.
Can I participate in the triathlon with my child?
Yes and no. It is strictly a children’s event and we encourage kids to participate on their own, however exceptions can be made for our little ones who need extra support, or for our special older athletes who need support (athletes with autism, etc.). Our volunteers are experienced and are there to assist all participants throughout the event.
Is my child safe on the course?
Safety is our highest priority. Parents need to understand that participating in a sporting event like a triathlon has, by its nature, elements of risk, as do all sports. You can help make your child’s experience the safest and most enjoyable by practicing before the race to improve their skills and increase their confidence. The roads will be closed to (all but local) traffic, there are lifeguards in the water, volunteers on each corner, as well as the St. John’s Ambulance Brigade and our local physician in the park.
How do I volunteer for one of the races?
Thank you for your interest in volunteering. It is a rewarding experience and you will not be disappointed. Head back to the “Volunteer” tab and you will be directed to our Volunteer Registration page.
Are parents allowed in transition?
Parents are allowed in to help set up their child’s gear before the race. During the race, only athletes and volunteers will be permitted in the transition zone. Our volunteers will assist the athletes (especially the little dudes). If every child brings his or her family into the transition zone, along with dogs and cameras… it turns into a zoo! If you know that your child needs a little extra TLC you can come in to help, but generally things run more smoothly and are less chaotic if there are less people in the transition area.
What about cars on the road?
The roads will be closed off by the Department of Transportation; however there may still be the odd car on the course. We will have volunteers on the course to direct traffic (as well as to tell kids when to turn, to offer them drinks, and to apply Band-Aids). All residents and business owners will receive a letter ahead of time asking for their cooperation in staying off the roads for our race.
Do they need to wear a helmet?
YES. No one will be allowed to bike without a helmet. Transition volunteers will make sure no athletes leave the transition zone without a helmet that is fastened! If this presents a financial challenge, please let us know and we will arrange to provide your child with a helmet.
How can I help my child have a wonderful experience?
Read the information in its entirety, arrive early, be organized, bring lots of supporters and have FUN!
What happens in inclement weather?
The race goes on rain or shine; however we made need to cancel the swim portion. In the case of lightening the race will be delayed or stopped immediately if in progress. The race will not resume until 30 minutes after the last incidence of lightening. If the road conditions are unsafe due to rain the bike portion of the race will be cancelled and a swim - run event will take place.
I heard this was a PAC event? How much school money is used for this?
The race was started by a group of parents, who happened to be on the Okanagan Falls Elementary PAC. To ensure the longevity of the race, a non-profit race society has been created. The Okanagan Falls Elementary School is one of the race partners, as is the Okanagan Falls Parks and Recreation Department.
In 2013 both the Okanagan Falls Elementary School and its PAC donated $75.00 to purchase a bike rack (one for each group). All other funding has been generated through grants and sponsorship, none of which had any effect on school funding.
How long is the race?
Each age division has a different distance. The races will take between 10 and 25 minutes, depending on the age of the kids. The distances are below:
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Age 3-5
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Age 6-7
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Age 8-9
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Age 10-11
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Age 12-13
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