All your child needs is a bicycle (road bike or mountain bike) or tricycle, PROPERLY FITTED bike helmet with functional chin strap, swim suit, goggles (optional), running shoes (no sandals or Crocs), shorts and shirt (their cool new TRi KiDS shirt!), water bottle, hat, towels and sunscreen. Helmets must comply with either CPSC, SNELL or ANSI standards as indicated by a label on the inside.

Each race location has an online registration deadline for personalized bibs.  Please make sure your child is registered before this deadline.

No, however it is strongly recommended. Safety is a priority and you want to avoid disappointment if the bike cannot be used on race day.  We have made recommendations for bike shops for some of our race locations.  Their information, including website, is posted on each location's page.  Please visit them and tell them you are a Tri Kids participant.  They may offer discounts!

The race course is well marked with traffic cones and numerous volunteers are strategically placed throughout the course to provide direction and support.

The race format literally becomes a game of follow the leader!

Also, we encourage athletes and parents to attend a FULL COURSE Orientation Session to familiarize themselves with the course, specifically the bike and run exits, the turn around points on the bike and run course and how transition works.

Yes. This makes your race day hassle and stress-free and it’s the only way you will know your start time. We also encourage both athletes and parents to attend the orientation sessions during race kit pick up.

Yes, whatever stroke the athlete is comfortable with.

Most certainly.

We will provide life jackets for all athletes in any age group, if desired. Water wings are also permitted (except in Bracebridge where they do not allow water wings). No other swim aids are allowed i.e. flutter boards or fins

No. If you wish to be placed in the same wave as a friend who is in the same age group, please let us know by separate e-mail when registering. We will do our best to accommodate your request.

On average 5 minutes.

Yes, it is a timed event and results will be posted here. There are
no awards. The results of each individual will be posted in alphabetical order and not in order of completion time. We encourage and celebrate participation.

Each race will have different procedures and times for collecting gear from transition. Check the event page for the race location you are doing. Once your child(ren) are finished their race you may collect their gear from transition under the direction of the volunteers in transition. Their job is to make sure it is safe for parents to collect from transition while the race is still going on.

The race organizers are not responsible for lost gear.

No for safety reasons iPods are not permitted.

No, it is strictly a children’s event for those in the age categories 6 years and older. Our volunteers are experienced and are there to assist all participants throughout the event. Participants in the 3 - 5 age group must have an adult accompany them in the water, within arms reach. Parents may continue with them on foot for the bike and the run.

Your only chance to register after online registration closes is on race kit pick up day (the day before the race). However, we strongly recommend you pre-register online in case the event reaches its capacity.  Entry fees are higher at race kit pick up.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering. It is a rewarding experience and you will not be disappointed. Please contact us by e-mail using the word Volunteer in the subject line and we will get back to you right away.

Our official photographer is Ryder Photography. Photos are available online within 24 hours after the event.  We will post the link on our home page and an e-mail will be sent to you with your child's photos. 

Safety is our highest priority. While parents need to understand that participating in a sporting event like a triathlon has, by its nature, elements of risk, as do all sports. You can help make your child’s experience the safest and most enjoyable by practicing before the race to improve their skills and increase their confidence. Also plan to attend one of our orientation sessions.

Fundraising is not mandatory, however we have selected Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO) as our charity because, through fundraising, our participants can make a difference in the lives of children who are living with cancer.   Check our charity page for more information about POGO.

Last year TRi KiDS athletes raised $17,000 for POGO.  Our goal this year is $25,000!

Parents are allowed in to help set up their child’s gear before the race. During the race, only athletes and volunteers will be permitted in the transition zone.  Our volunteers will assist the athletes, especially the younger ones in need of assistance.

YES. No one will be allowed to bike without a helmet. Transition volunteers will make sure no athletes leave the transition zone without a helmet that is fastened!

We recommend standing near the swim exit and watching for your child. You can hand the glasses to them. Otherwise, you could put the child’s glasses inside of their helmet in transition.

No. If someone else races under your name and is injured, or causes an accident, that person will not be covered by any protection typically afforded to an athlete through the Ontario Association of Triathletes insurance.

Read the information on this website in its entirety, attend the course orientation sessions, arrive early, be organized, bring lots of supporters and have FUN!

It is the responsibility of parents and athletes to count the laps and loops.  With 500 athletes our volunteers cannot accomplish this. We will make suggestions at each venue as to the best place to stand so that you can call out how many loops your child needs to complete.

Last year we heard a lot of "THREE MORE TO GO-GREAT JOB!" and "LAST LOOP-KEEP IT UP!"

THIS is what we want to hear out there!