The 'Gotta Tri' Kids Triathlon Is Tomorrow in Alcoa: A Beginner Race Even Little Kids Can Win
The "Gotta Tri" Kids Triathlon hits the Alcoa Duck Pond area tomorrow afternoon, and if you've got a kid between 3 and 9 who's been begging to run a race, this is the easiest version of one to say yes to.
Blount County Parks & Rec runs this one Sunday, September 13, at the Springbrook Pool / Alcoa Duck Pond area in Alcoa (rain date: September 20). It's deliberately not competitive — every kid who finishes gets a medal, and the point is just to get little legs moving. There's no swimming; the course ends with everyone getting wet on the way to the finish line, and after they cross it there's a foam party play area, which is basically the kid equivalent of a gold medal anyway.
Here's how the age groups split:
- Tiny Tots (ages 3-6): bike a quarter mile, then run/walk 200 yards. Course runs 2:00-3:00 PM; check-in is 1:30-2:30. A grown-up has to run the course with these guys.
- True Troopers (ages 7-9): bike half a mile, then run/walk half a mile. Course runs 3:00-3:45 PM; check-in is 2:30-3:15. These kids can go on their own.
What you actually need to bring: a bike or tricycle with a helmet, tennis shoes, and clothes you don't mind getting wet. Same for you, honestly — if you're the adult chugging along with a Tiny Tot, wear something comfortable that can take some water.
Cost is $18 if you pre-registered through Parks & Rec by 3 PM Friday, and $22 day of. Both include a t-shirt (guaranteed for pre-registered, while supplies last for day-of) and the medal. Since the date snuck up, most families reading this will be in the day-of $22 camp — and that's fine, it still gets them the shirt and the medal.
If tomorrow doesn't work but the idea does, put September 20 (the rain date) on the calendar as backup. Either way, this is one of those rare sporting events where the youngest kid gets the same finish-line moment as everybody else — and that's exactly the kind of win worth driving to Alcoa for.