Ankeny Youth Triathlon

By NICOLE JOBST • This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it • August 1, 2008

Ankeny was the hub for elite and amateur athletes under age 14 on Saturday as it hosted the second annual youth triathlon at Northview Middle School.

The race attracted 150 athletes. Nearly 40 of the participants - including Lizzie Doering, 8, of Ankeny - were trying the sport for the first time. Lizzie, who is involved in various sports, decided participating in the triathlon would improve her stamina. She didn't have to veer much from her summer activities to train because she took swimming lessons and ran and biked with her family more often.
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The course is shortened from a regular triathlon's distances for participants ages 11 to 14, then cut in half again for ages 7 to 10. Organizer Dave Jass of Ankeny says the event is designed just like any other triathlon, and it's complete with a goodie bag, medals for all participants and recovery food.

The event was created a year ago by the Triathlon Racers of Iowa, which noticed an interest from young athletes in the area.

"We hope they like it and will stay with the sport when they get older," Jass said. "It's really fun for them."