Hurry up Dad: Tony Worton helps son Thomas in the transition to the bike leg in the 6 and 7 years event.
OVER 80 competitors lined up in Laurieton to get a taste of Ironman action recently.
Sure, the competitors were a little on the short side (aged from 6 to 13 years) but their hearts and smiles were huge.
The action kicked off at the Laurieton Swimming Pool, progressed to the Laurieton United Services Club for the transition to bike, then on past the sporting grounds and back. Competitors along the river foreshore footpath and finished at the LUSC jetty carpark.
Each competitor received a medal as they crossed the line and party man Steve Davis announced their names and confirmed they were all “Ironkids”.
One young competitor was suitably impressed by his medal: “Wow, it’s a real medal, not like one of the cheap ones from the cheap shop.”
Organiser Jeanette McCoubrie said the support from the community for the event was the reason the event was a great success.
“I was overwhelmed by the number of volunteers and participants in Ironkids,” Mrs McCoubrie said.
“It was wonderfull to see such happy little faces crossing the finish line and see the community lining the route cheering on all the kids. The Camden Haven’s community spirit was again on show and we are looking forward to next year’s event.”
The event was strongly supported by major sponsor Laurieton Cycles. Owner Tony Roach donated over $600 in prizes, including a $400 gift voucher to a lucky participant.
The event was organised by the Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce and the local ironman organising committee.
Ironman’s executive director Ken Baggs said the junior event was a success.
“It’s a super effort by a very dedicated local committee who obviously have the heart of the Camden Haven at the forefront of their work,” Mr Baggs said.
“We hope this forms the basis of a future fixture in the Camden Haven sporting calendar.”