YMCA’s Youth Triathlon Back in Palisades Sunday

By ELIZABETH FARNAN Special to the Palisadian-Post Riding the wave of success achieved at last year’s inaugural Palisades-Malibu YMCA Youth Triathlon, organizers are hoping the sequel is just as big a hit. Co-sponsored by USA Youth Triathlon, this year’s event will take place Sunday one hour after the start of the 5/10K races. It will consist of a 3-mile bike ride through Huntington Palisades, a 1.1-mile run up Sunset and finish with a 150-yard swim at the YMCA pool in Temescal Canyon. All athletes ranging in age from 7 to 15 are invited to participate and will receive a commemorative t-shirt and medal. Athletes will also be invited to march in the Fourth of July parade that afternoon. For the last month, dozens of young athletes ages 8-13 took part in training clinics in preparation for this year’s triathlon. The clinics were open to all interested and included kids from a variety of schools in the Palisades and on the Westside. The clinics were led by Palisadian and USAYT Director Deborah Hafford, along with local triathletes from the Los Angeles Tri Club. During the clinics, kids participated in drills and workouts in swimming, biking and running in order to learn the proper techniques, improve coordination and build stamina in each discipline. One theme throughout the program is that the trainees were relentless in their competitive spirit and positive attitudes. The clinics were based on a foundation of fun, and throughout all of the two-hour sessions every athlete worked hard at each sport. Under Hafford’s leadership, these young athletes have done more than train for a race. Each participant received a periphery course in setting goals, honing skills, budgeting time and striving for results. Hafford teaches from experience as a three-time Ironman Triathlon finisher and L.A. Marathon Masters Champion. USAYT is a non-profit corporation dedicated to bringing the sport of triathlon to the youth of America. The organization believes that through fitness, endurance and dedication, valuable lessons can be learned that will benefit today’s children and build a brighter, smarter, healthier tomorrow. Pre-registration and goody bag pick up will be Saturday, July 3 from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Palisades-YMCA office (821 Via de la Paz). Participation in the clinic series is not required for racers. Due to race day crowds, early registration is highly recommended. The triathlon race will begin at 10 a.m. in front of the Palisades Library Parking lot (also the starting line of the Will Rogers 5/10K races). Competitors must arrive by 9 a.m. for body marking. Awards will follow the race at the Temescal Canyon pool. Information can be found at http://www.usayt.com, by emailing mailto:info@usayt.com, or by contacting Kacy Mackreth at the YMCA: 454-5591.