Kids duel in NMITF Duathlon

Twenty-four children between the ages of three and 12 years of age set aside their video games and homework to participate in the latest activity hosted by the Northern Mariana Islands Triathlon Federation— the Kids N’ Training Duathlon in Marpi on Saturday afternoon.

In keeping with their doctrine that emphasizes completing the race rather than competing in it, the NMITF did not award the children based on their rank at the finish. Rather, for their efforts at the northern end of the island, all participants were awarded with a finisher’s medal and a “high five”

The kids and their parents made the trek north to the Bird Island Lookout at 4:30pm, and while the event was not the first of its kind, it featured the newly offered “Trikes and Training Wheel” 5-and-under category.

The tiny tots of the 5-and-under category began their race day with a 300-meter run course along the unpaved road toward Kalabera cave and back upon striking pavement, the children mounted an assortment of bicycles, tricycles, and big wheels and started off along the 500m course. From there, the mini-Marceaus repeated the run to finish the race.

Whenever necessary, the racers were assisted by eager parents who followed their children every step of the way.

While the youngest of the group were pedaling on the pavement, the 6-8-year-olds took off on the 500m run segment on the same unimproved coral road, and returned to don their helmets for the 1-kilometer bike portion to the Grotto. The final stage was a second lap on the run course.

The organizers utilized the same formula for the sages of multi-sport, as the 9-12-year-olds began the 1km run on the coral road while the 6-8-year-olds were on their bikes. The elders then tackled a challenging 4km bike course, followed by a repeat run.

Race director Sue Knecht expressed her thanks to the parents who got their children to the start line and manned the course, as well as to Rick and Ruby Northen of Hamilton’s Restaurant and Bar for providing a taco special to participants and families of the group.

The next event for the youngsters is next month, as the NMITF is hosting the “Rumble on the Road” triathlon in Marpi, on Saturday, Mar. 26.

The race features age groups and distances similar to that of the Tagakids All-Islanders Championship, which follows the Tagaman Triathlon three weeks later on Sunday, April 17. The registration fee is $5, and all participants are asked to bring a friend to participate in all of their favorite portions of the race—and teams are also welcome.

For more information about the “Rumble on the Road” or to pre-register for the event, contact Knecht by calling 288-8928 or via email at sueknecht1@yahoo.com.