The health and well-being of every community Rock Valley Physical Therapy serves is one of the staples by which it stands.
That commitment is never more evident than Rock Valley’s Waverly, Iowa clinic’s (112 2nd St NW, (319) 352-0102), involvement and sponsorship of the TheTriByLittleKnight Triathlon, set for Sept. 27, on the campus of Waverly-based Wartburg College.
Along with husband, Kyle, Jennifer Peters (PT, DPT, Rock Valley-Waverly Clinic Manager), helped bring the TriByLittleKnight Triathlon to life five years ago, and the event has become a community staple and a time-honored family gathering for Peters.
With the help of her sisters Dana Conilogue and Amanda Johnson, the latter a Waverly-based educator, there will be nine Peters, Conilogue and Johnson children, respectively, competing in the TriByLittleKnight Triathlon. The Conilogue family, it must be noted, will make the weekend trek from Fairfield, Iowa to compete and revel in some always-needed family time.
“My husband and I helped start the TriByLittleKnight triathlon five years ago with the intent of providing a fun, athletic, and low-cost opportunity for youth to get involved in a unique sport,’’ said Peters, who will share the big day with Coen Conilogue, 13; Keaton Peters, 11; Riley Johnson, 9; Brodie Peters, 9; Jonah Conilogue, 8; Ruth Johnson, 7; Quinn Peters, 7; Jamie Johnson, 5; and Sydney Peters, 5.
“Kids of all abilities can participate in a low-pressure triathlon supported by their families, college students, and supportive community members,’’ added Peters. “Rock Valley has helped sponsor this event and has encouraged our collaboration with local businesses to put on an excellent youth contest. The kids truly enjoy it and are so proud of themselves for competing and accomplishing an athletic feat.’’
The TriByLittleKnight Triathlon, Johnson says, is the best of all worlds. It combines camaraderie, a test of will and fitness, and family memories that will last a lifetime.
“This is an event my kids look forward to every year,’’ Johnson shared. “As a family, we talk about taking care of our bodies, how to make our bodies strong, and discuss the amazing things our bodies can do. We go on family bike rides, walks/runs, and swim together at the pool. “During these times together, we have experienced enjoyment and successes, as well as fatigue and the feeling of wanting to quit or give up,’’ added Johnson. “Important conversations have revolved around our mindset and how we approach obstacles and discomfort. My kids enjoy the triathlon because they have a unique chance to see what their bodies can do and challenge themselves to get better each year. Having spectators around for support makes this event so special for them as well. They love the camaraderie and the smiles at the end of the competition. It is a chance to celebrate accomplishing the triathlon together, whether they have done it every year or for the first time. This special event builds a bond among the cousins that will last a lifetime.’’
The TriByLittleKnight Triathlon, is a successful bi-product off-shoot from the long-running TriByKnight Triathlon, now in its 15th year, and the first-ever triathlon in the Waverly area. Both events include the Ohle Wartburg-Waverly Sports and Wellness Center, the Walston-Hoover Football Stadium, and the Newsom Outdoor Track on the campus of Wartburg College.
The TriByLittleKnight Triathlon features junior and senior race divisions, designed for maximum experience for the competitors and spectators alike. The event is chip-timed, and division awards are given. Registration includes an athlete bag, shirt, swim cap, and finisher medal.
Junior Division: Ages 5-9 years old: Participants will navigate a 50-yard swim in The W indoor pool (flotation devices may be used), a two-mile bike (two-loops) around the Wartburg College campus and an 800-meter run inside Walston-Hoover Stadium. Athletes using flotation devices are not eligible for awards.
Senior Division: Ages 10-16: Features a 100-yard swim in The W indoor pool, a four-mile bike (two loops) adjacent to Wartburg College and a one-mile run around Wartburg campus that finishes on the Newsom Outdoor Track.
"(The Ohle Wartburg-Waverly Sports & Wellness Center Associate Director for Aquatics, Facility & Event Management's) Heather Zajicek who helped start this triathlon and the many volunteers -- Wartburg students, community members and Rock Valley staff – make this an amazing community event and we are blessed to have their time,'' Peters said. "We couldn't do it without them.''
The day begins with packet pick up at 11:30 a.m. There is a pre-race meeting at 12:50 in the W Field House followed by the race beginning at 1.
Cost is $50; registration closes Sept. 20.
By: Johnny Marx, Rock Valley Storyteller
