Triathlon Times Two: Kids on July 25 and “BIG” Kids on July 26

A healthy and sweaty weekend is coming up in Paducah, with the annual FNB Kids’ Triathlon on July 25 and, for the first time in Western Kentucky, the “BIG” Kids’ Triathlon on July 26. So break out your swim goggles, bike helmets and running shoes and help support the good work of Rehab Associates Foundation!

FNB Kids’ Triathlon
Now in its fifth year, the FNB Kids’ Triathlon was one of two sanctioned youth triathlons in Kentucky when Rehab Associates created the event five years ago. This year’s event, sponsored by FNB, is set for 7:30 a.m., Saturday, July 25, in Noble Park.

Limited to 120 participants, kids ages 7-10 will swim 100 meters, bike 5K and run 1K. Kids ages 11-14 will swim 200 meters, bike 10K and run 2K. Each finisher receives a commemorative medal, race number and T-shirt. Trophies go to the top three male and female finishers in various age groups.

$25 pre-registration; $35 day of event. Download the registration form!

“BIG” Kids Triathlon
Following on that healthy success, Rehab Associates introduces the “BIG” Kid’s Triathlon — it’s the only triathlon for adults in Western Kentucky. This inaugural event is set for 7 a.m., Sunday, July 25 (the day after the regular Kids’ Triathlon) in Noble Park, as well.

Limited to just 48 participants, BIG kids, 15 and older, swim 500 yards, bike 18 miles (out and back on Old Cairo Rd. to HWY 1420, with the turnaround at Metropolis Lake Rd.) and run a 5K along the Greenway Trail.

$60 registration. Download the registration form; there is no race day registration.

The event is sponsored by Rehab Associates Foundation, goPerformance & FITNESS, BIKEWORLD and Paducah Parks and Recreation, with media sponsorship from iList Paducah!

We Can Do It!
If the thought of doing a, uh, monoathlon to the fridge and back makes us tired, the thought of three physical activities, all in the same day, one after another, without, you know, lunch, likely leaves us exhausted.

But Rehab Associates’ Dr. Mark Vance says it’s all about setting and achieving goals, and recognizing that a triathlon offers three times the health benefit of doing just one activity. 

“All three events require training that utilizes all major muscle groups, including the heart, without over-loading one particular area,” Mark says. “As a ‘mature’ athlete and a physical therapist, I appreciate this training concept on a personal and professional basis. Plus, a triathlon allows us to set and achieve goals that can have a very positive impact on our physical and mental well-being.”

Need a little help getting started? Contact Rehab Associates, 744.0631. Or visit goPerformance & FITNESS, 744.3701, located inside the Paducah Regional SportsPlex.

“It’s good for folks to set goals and strive to achieve them,” Mark says. “Participation in these types of events can reduce some of the mundane aspects of training. They require commitment and offer great personal and physical reward.”

Rehab Associates Foundation
Both triathlons benefit the Rehab Associates Foundation, which works to promote physical fitness and health and wellness opportunities for folks of our area. The organization sponsors or co-sponsors several 5K and youth runs, the triathlons and training and goSoccer, a soccer program for kids with special needs. 

“We are a fledgling organization with lofty goals of providing fitness options and opportunities for folks across the life span,” Mark says.