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Youth Triathlon Series kicking off today

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By Eric Horchy | The Suncoast News

Published: May 10, 2008

PALM HARBOR - The Youth Triathlon Series of Pinellas will kick off its inaugural race at H.S. "Pop" Stansell Park this morning. Palm Harbor's fifth annual Party in the Park festivities will follow.

Today's triathlon will be the first of six monthly events that will be conducted throughout Pinellas County until October. No youth series of its kind has ever been completed solely in one county before.

Since 1985, Sara Lee and IronKids have sponsored a series of six races for young people as well, but the locations were spread nationwide.

Suzanne Henslee, the series' coordinator, said the goal is successfully establishing the YTS of Pinellas and attracting other counties throughout the state and nation to follow suit.

"Support for the YTS has been overwhelming," Henslee said. "Anytime children are involved there's an enthusiasm that's attractive, but I think it's also because each race is a fundraiser for the fight against cancer."

Much of that support comes thanks to the backing of seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong's Livestrong Foundation.

In contrast to past and current nationwide events, Henslee said she sees the YTS concept's potential to catch on is much higher since it's a more reasonable option for families.

Of the six races, five will be held at North County locales, with the other in Seminole. Kids ages 4-14 are encouraged to sign up, and participants are eligible for end-of-year prizes once completing a minimum of four races.

The youth course consists of a 200-yard swim, followed by a four-mile bike ride, and concluding in a one-mile run. Three of the six races will have open-water swims - including today's - and three will be within a pool.

There will be roughly 150 young people competing in today's opening run, Henslee said.

Once the YTS participants finish, there is also an Adult Super Sprint event raced on the same course.

Overlapping with the triathlons, the Party in the Park is scheduled to run from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. It will feature food and drink vendors, live music, kayaking demos and more.

Erica Lynford, coordinator for Party in the Park, said she is anticipating a big draw this year, with the added 200 to 300 people already in the coastal recreation area from the races. The event has typically attracted about 1,500 to 2,000 people, she said.

Area Little League games for today have been postponed to free any conflict of interest for those families hoping to attend.

Pop Stansell Park is at the corner of Florida Avenue and Eighth Street.

For further information on future YTS of Pinellas races, go to, www.racesaregreat.com>.

Check next Saturday's Suncoast News for photos of the day's events, as well as www.suncoastnews.com.>

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