Little ones ages 3-6 years old are invited to bike, sprint, and splash during Asheville Parks & Recreation’s annual Tiny Tykes Triathlon in Pack Square Park (80 Court Plaza) on Sunday, August 7. Advance registration is required and costs $10 for Asheville residents or $12 for those residing outside of city limits. Parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends are encouraged to cheer on the triathletes from the sidelines.
“Tiny Tykes Triathlon translates into pure joy for the kids and somewhat of organized chaos for the adults, but it’s a lot of fun for everyone,” according to Christine Elyseev, Asheville Parks & Recreation Outdoor Programs Coordinator. “This event and other programs can inspire a life of active living and appreciation for the outdoors. Along with after school programs, youth sports, and summer camps, recreation activities are critical to childhood development and foster imagination, healthy habits, social equity, and mountain spirit.”
Race heats begin at 9:15 a.m. and run every 15 minutes with limited availability for each session. Participants choose a start time during advance registration. The course consists of a bike race, sprint, and final splash in Splasheville, the popular splash pad in downtown Asheville. Triathletes should bring their own bike and helmet, wear clothing that can get wet, and have shoes securely fastened (no flip flops). A limited number of bikes are available for use with advance notice. No big wheels, scooters, skateboards, skates, or motorized bikes are allowed.
For complete details, visit avlrec.com. Advance registration is required and no walk up registration will be available.
Asheville Parks & Recreation
Established in 1956, the Asheville Parks & Recreation Department manages a unique collection of more than 65 public parks, playgrounds, and open spaces throughout the city in a system that also includes full-complex recreation centers, swimming pools, Riverside Cemetery, sports fields and courts, and community centers that offer a variety of wellness-, education-, and culture-related programs for Ashevillians of all ages. With 8 miles of paved greenways and numerous natural surface trails, its complete portfolio acts as the foundation of a vibrant hub for the people of Asheville to connect with their neighbors and explore the natural beauty of a livable and walkable city.
Driven by the promise that Asheville is a better and safer place when everyone from infants to retirees has the opportunity to be supported, healthy, and successful, Asheville Parks & Recreation was the first nationally-accredited municipal recreation department in the United States. For the latest updates, follow the department on Facebook @aprca and Instagram @ashevilleparksandrecreation or visit www.ashevillenc.gov/parks.