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SuperKids Tradition
It
all started many years ago when Mike Bennett, Aquatics Supervisor
for the County of Santa Cruz Parks Department helped a friend organize
a triathlon for kids in the Santa Cruz area. The events that make
up a triathlon include swimming, bicycling and running. Mike has always
felt that it is important for kids to have the exposure to a variety
of sports and a youth triathlon seemed like the perfect opportunity.
In the summer of 1997, recreation staff at Santa Cruz County Parks presented the first SuperKid event at Soquel High School which was an enormous success. The theme for the triathlon was Fun First, Food Second and Competition Third. There were 156 kids ranging in age from 2½ to 16 years of age who participated in the first SuperKid event. One of the favorite stories of the first event was of a young boy who had a technical problem with his bicycle and had to stop the race. The child was devastated. A volunteer helped him fix the problem, and even though he was far behind the pack, he jumped back on his bicycle, and finished the event. Mike said "In all my years of racing, the euphoric feeling that I had at the end of the day was equal to, if not greater than the feelings I have experienced after any of my races."
The event has seen many new changes and venues. It is now held at the beautiful, 50-meter, 18 lane Simpkins Family Swim Center. Each year, occasional course changes are made for the enjoyment and safety of the SuperKids. The original SuperKid Triathlons started with the run and continued without stopping into the bike segment. After the kids got off the bike, they completed their swim. Afterwards, their run/bike time and swim time were added together for their overall time. Today, the event is a continuous swim, bike and run venue. It is now an "official" triathlon and the kids and parents love it.
The
success of the event has led to the 8th Annual SuperKid triathlon,
which will be held Sunday, June 27, 2004. This is a great event
for the whole family and gives your children the opportunity to
be triathletes. With a swim, bike and run course, real transition
area, body markings and awards for all participants, you can help
your child gain the self esteem that comes from doing their personal
best.
All kids who participate will receive a finisher's medal and each individual will be called to the stage to receive their medal. Kids will receive a T-shirt, swim cap, free raffle ticket, water bottle and other special sponsor gifts.
Register online
Download a registration form
Are you interested in volunteering? It’s a wonderful experience and shifts are only about 3 hours long. Email Mike@bythebeachproductions.com. You will receive an email from the SK volunteer coordinator in early April.