The third annual TriByLittleKnight Triathlon, the only youth triathlon of its kind in the Waverly, Iowa, area, combines physical challenges and life lessons in an amazing setting for young people ages 5-to-16.
The event, slated for Sunday, October 6, at 1 P.M. at the Wartburg-Waverly Sports & Wellness Center (The W) – on the campus of Wartburg College – features junior and senior race divisions.
The event is both unique and uplifting for all involved.
“My husband, Kyle, and I have done many triathlons over the years, and we wanted our kids to experience this type of athletic event,” said Rock Valley Physical Therapy’s Jennifer Peters, PT, DPT, Clinic Manager/Waverly, Iowa, co-organizer of the event. Rock Valley Physical Therapy is also one of the primary sponsors of the TriByLittleKnight Triathlon.
“We have always wanted to start some sort of kids race in our community and we were finally able to do so with the help of Heather Zajicek (Wartburg’s Assistant Director for Aquatics & Facilities) in 2022. During the first TriByLittleKnight, we witnessed kids of all ages swim, bike and run to the best of their ability. They did so well and were so proud of their accomplishment. The ability to complete these feats displays motivation, discipline, and some mental toughness. It is a fabulous event for all ages.’’
TriByLittleKnight race categories are:
- Junior division, ages 5-9 years old (by 12/31/2024): 50-yard swim in The W indoor pool (flotation devices may be used), a 2-mile bike (two-loops) around the Wartburg College campus and an 800-meter run inside Walston-Hoover Stadium.
- Note: Athletes using flotation devices are not eligible for awards.
- Senior Division, ages 10-16 years old (by 12/31.2024): 100-yard swim in The W indoor pool, a 4-mile bike (four-loops) around the Wartburg College campus and a 1-mile run inside Walston-Hoover Stadium (4 laps).
The triathlon, designed for maximum experience for participants and spectators alike, is designed chip timed and features division awards. Registration includes an athlete bag, shirt, swim cap and finisher medal.
“I have a seven-year-old son and a five-year-old daughter that will be competing,” said Waverly’s Amanda Johnson. “Both competed last year. My husband and I have competed in triathlons and our kids have always been our biggest fans. This triathlon is important because it provides an opportunity for my kids to experience the fun of competing while my husband and I get a chance to cheer for them. We love this event; it allows our kids to move their bodies and compete in a low-stakes environment.’’
Johnson says she sees tremendous growth potential for the event, and harbors hope it becomes as popular as the TriByKnight (adult) triathlon, a staple of the Waverly/Wartburg communities.
“There are lots of families looking for this kind of experience for their kids,” she said. “My daughter competed last year as a four-and-one-half-year-old and had such a wonderful time. The swim was low stress because she wore a life jacket. This year she has decided she wants to swim the entire way unassisted.’’
A test of mind, heart, and soul – with an overriding theme of fun – is just the right challenge for kids, Johnson says.
“A yearly event that allows the kids to set goals, see growth in their self-esteem and body strength is important,” she said. “The support from the community has been fantastic. I know TriByLittleKnight will continue to gain momentum as word travels throughout the state. The environment of the event is also outstanding, and the volunteers and spectators encourage every participant to have fun and do their best. Wartburg and all the community sponsors (Rock Valley Physical Therapy) have done such an impressive job of organizing the triathlon.’’
For more information go to https://www.wartburg.edu/youthtriathlon/#schedule