July 9, 2010

IronKids Avon Moves Swim Course

Avon, CO – IronKids Avon Triathlon has moved the swim course from Nottingham Lake to the Avon Recreation Center swimming pool. This change will revert back to the inaugural 2009 swim course which took place in the pool at the Avon Recreation Center. “Due to combined low water and air temperature we made the decision this morning that a pool swim is the safest option for our participants” said Michelle Payette, Director of IronKids.

On Sunday, July 11, IronKids will hold the second-annual IronKids Avon Triathlon, drawing youth ranging from 6 to 15 years of age. The event, taking place at Harry A. Nottingham Park, will include five divisions: Ages 6-8, Ages 9-11, Ages 12-15, Military and Teams. Those in the Military and Teams divisions will begin the race according to the age group they fall within. Participants Ages 12-15 will begin at 7 a.m. with a pool swim in Avon Recreation Center. Athletes will then utilize closed roads and run on paved walkways along Nottingham Lake and Park. Ages 9-11 will begin at approximately 8:30 a.m. and Ages 6-8 will begin at approximately 9:15 a.m.

Distances for IronKids Avon vary, depending on age of participants:
- Ages 6 to 8: 50-yard swim, 2-mile bike and 500-yard run
- Ages 9 to 11: 150-yard swim, 4-mile bike and 1-mile run
- Ages 12 to 15: 300-yard swim, 8-mile bike and 2-mile run

Sunday’s event will see children representing four states, including more than 115 youth from Colorado. In addition to participants ranging in age and fitness level, there will be several inspirational competitors, including Winter Vinecki, 11, of Salem, Ore. Vickecki founded “Team Winter” as a way to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer, the disease that claimed her father’s life in 2009. Last year, her efforts garnered donations of more than $150,000, which went directly to prostate cancer research. Vinecki, who aims to encourage children to be active, serves as an IronKids ambassador and hopes to inspire other participants to support and race for a cause close to their heart.

All finishers will receive a commemorative medal, trophies will be awarded to the top three finishers in each age group, and the top five finishers in each age group will qualify for the IronKids National Championship, taking place on Oct. 3 in St. Petersburg, FL.

In addition to the race, the series offers an interactive weekend experience for the entire family. The IronKids Expo, registration and packet pick-up will take place at Nottingham Park on Saturday, July 10, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a course talk at 1 p.m., followed by a triathlon clinic at 2 p.m. Registration and packet pick-up will re-open on race morning from 5:45 a.m. to 6:30 a.m.

Local partners include the Town of Avon, Vail Valley Partnership Chamber & Tourism Bureau, KZYR 97.7, Holy Cross Energy, Eagle County, The Parents Handbook to the Vail Valley, NRC Broadcasting, Vail Valley Medical Center and TV8. Host hotel, the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, will offer IronKids discounts to participating families.

"IronKids is excited to return to the town of Avon, as it provides a safe race course, spectacular natural beauty and a high level of community support,” said Michelle Payette, Director of IronKids. “Avon is a perfect recreation-based event destination for the entire family."

To register for IronKids Avon or learn more, visit www.IronKids.com. Those interested in the Teams division may contact IronKids.Teams@IronKids.com; Military Division questions should be directed to IronKids.Military@IronKids.com. Media members may direct questions to Catie Case at Catie@IronKids.com, 813.927.3664, or Blair LaHaye at Blair@IronKids.com, 727.808.0646.

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ABOUT IRONKIDS
World Triathlon Corporation acquired IronKids in 2007 from the Sara Lee Corporation that owned the event series since 1985. IronKids’ events have seen more than 40,000 participants in its history. In its inaugural year, the IronKids National Triathlon Series hosted nine races, including a National Championship event in Tucson, Ariz., for youth ranging from 6 to 15 years of age. This year, the series will see growth domestically as well as globally, with international licensed events taking place throughout Europe and Asia-Pacific. Participants in the 2010 series will have the opportunity to support IronKids’ two official charity partners The Iron Andy Foundation’s “Iron Andy Challenge” and Team Winter.” National partners K-Swiss, Aqua Sphere and Timex support the IronKids brand.