Moody kids test endurance during triathlon

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nicholas Benroth
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Moody held its second annual Kids Triathlon Aug. 20, where kids 8 through 14 competed by running laps, biking and running.

Kids lined the poolside on a hot summer day with more than just thoughts of enjoying the water- they had hopes of placing first in a triathlon that would test their endurance.

"Kids love participating in activities like riding a bicycle, swimming and even just running around," said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Blake Williams, 23rd Force Support Squadron fitness specialist. "They love doing all these things, so why not make it a competition for them and make it a little fun?"

The triathlon is composed of three laps in the pool, followed by a six-mile bike ride, and a one-mile run.

The kids were split into two age groups to ensure the competition was fair for all the children who competed. The first group to begin the triathlon was the older age group, which consisted of kids 11 to 14 years old. The other group, comprising of kids 8 to 10, starting after the older kids.

John Green, 14, son of retired Master Sgt. John Green, received first place in the 11 to 14 age group.

"This was the first time I had done a triathlon and it was a really cool experience," said Green. "We even came out early to practice at the pool and make sure my laps were good to go."

"My biggest problem I had during the race though was dealing with the heat," he added. "My top thoughts were to keep drinking water and to just push harder."

At the end of the triathlon, the first place winners from each age group received a grand prize. The rest of the kids each received back-to-school supplies for coming out and testing their endurance during the triathlon.