On Saturday, August 24, nearly 200 young athletes put their skills to the test at the annual Greater Palm Harbor YMCA Swim, Bike, Run for Freedom Triathlon. The day kicked off bright and early as children gathered at the pool, full of excitement and determination, ready to dive into the first leg of the race.
Emerging from the water, the triathletes transitioned to the biking portion, navigating a carefully mapped route along nearby roads. This stage challenged their cycling skills and endurance, with dedicated volunteers stationed along the course to ensure a safe and smooth ride. The final leg brought the athletes through the YMCA parking lot for a spirited run to the finish line, where cheers from family, friends and Y supporters created an electric atmosphere.
From first-time racers to seasoned participants, every child had the opportunity to shine. The Swim, Bike, Run for Freedom Triathlon is thoughtfully designed for young athletes, with courses scaled to be both manageable and fun.
“It’s amazing to see these kids zoom across the finish line with huge smiles and high fives all around!” said Alex Delgado, Executive Director at the Greater Palm Harbor YMCA. “Every splash, pedal and step are full of energy, excitement and pride. As a father to two young boys, I recognize the pride in both the parents and children as they tackle the course and celebrate their achievements!”
The focus is on building confidence, fostering a sense of accomplishment and making sure each child enjoys the experience without feeling overwhelmed. To ensure fair competition and an engaging race for all, participants were divided into age groups:
- Ages 5-6: Swam 25 yards | Biked ½ mile | Ran ¼ mile
- Ages 7-10: Swam 100 yards | Biked 2 miles | Ran ½ mile
- Ages 11-15: Swam 200 yards | Biked 4 miles | Ran 1 mile
The thoughtful organization allowed each child to compete alongside peers, making the event both challenging and fun. This annual tradition celebrates not only athleticism but also teamwork, perseverance and the joy of movement, core values of the YMCA community.
We are grateful to all the participants, staff and volunteers who made this event possible! We look forward to seeing everyone next year for another day of fun, fitness and community spirit at the Greater Palm Harbor YMCA Swim, Bike, Run for Freedom Triathlon!