The Kids Tri Chicago is the perfect launching pad for a youngster to break into the sport and the kick-off event of the Chicago Triathlon weekend. 2024 Event is coming soon!
The swim takes place in Lake Michigan at Chicago’s Foster Beach, including a shallow water start, parallel to the beach. The bike and run take place on closed park roadways and running paths all along Chicago’s beautiful lakefront. With junior and senior race options, there's a relay for every kid ages 7-14 to enjoy.
Junior Distances (Ages 7-10)
100 meter swim
2.2 mile bike
.62 mile run
Senior Distances (Ages 11-14)
200 meter swim
4.4 mile bike
1.24 mile run
Gear Checklist
Being organized is important in many areas of life, especially when it comes to competing in the sport of triathlon. There are so many moving parts on race-day with regard to equipment needs, nutrition and pacing strategies that even a small misstep can mean the difference between a successful outcome and a disappointing race-day experience.
Every triathlete should develop a race-day checklist. This list should include everything necessary to have a positive event, from the time you wake up to when the race is over. Always be prepared for the worse too, especially when it comes to potential bike-related mechanical issues and weather.
Below is a summary checklist of items you may wish to consider packing for race-day, as well as additional tips to remember leading up to the race and on the day of the event. Add whatever works for you as needed.
Pre-race
Special foods or drinks
Extra shoes
Special needs bags (if allowed on the race course)
Tri bag
Necessary medications (inhalers, etc)
Extra alarm clock
Warm-up suit/warm clothes
Umbrella or rain gear
Timing chip band
Multi-tool kit
Electrical tape
Swim
Swimsuit or tri race kit
Swim cap
Goggles
Wetsuit or swim skin
Bike
Helmet
Cycling shoes
Bike/tri shorts or tri race kit
Air Pump
Water bottles
Nutrition bag
Flat repair kit (tire, tube, tire levers, CO2)
Arm warmers or leg warmers
Light wind vest
Sunglasses
Sunblock
Run
Race belt
Socks
Running shoes with quick laces
Hydration belt or water bottle
Hat or visor
Transition
Towel or mat
Extra water bottle
Sunscreen
Anti-chafe cream
Pre-post race
Extra clothes
Extra shoes/flip flops
Recovery nutrition
Sunscreen
What you earn
Medal
T-shirt
Timing
Post-race food
Expo experience
A fantastic course experience in the heart of Chicago
Awards
All eligible athletes will compete for awards in their respective divisions. More information will be provided at a later date.
Water bottle for Transition area and the Bike Course
At Packet Pick Up, each participant will receive a swim cap, race number (with pins to attach to clothing), required athlete wrist bands (kids receive one additional band for a parent/guardian), t-shirt and a goodie bag.
One parent or guardian will be allowed in the Transition area during designated times prior to the race start, and only allowed if wearing the matching youth triathlete wristband. Once the Transition area is closed, no one other than athletes, volunteers and staff will be allowed inside. Volunteers will be available to help tie shoes, buckle helmets, and direct the kids where to go. Family may connect with the athlete after they have crossed the Finish Line.
A pre-race Athlete Briefing will be held 15 minutes prior to the first wave start for each race at the Swim Start. Additionally, a detailed SuperSprint/Kids Tri briefing will be held at the Multisport & Fitness Expo on Friday, August 26 from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. in the Continental A (Ground Floor).
Yes. Athlete packets contains two temporary tattoo numbers, which can easily be applied to each shoulder. On race morning, volunteers will be available between Transition and the Swim Start to write the age on participants’ calves (using permanent marker).
After being body marked, enter Transition to find the bike racks with your specific race/bib number. Kids, SuperSprint and Divvy groups will have separate areas within Transition. Volunteers and staff will be on-site to assist.
All athletes for the Saturday races must check their bikes in Saturday morning.
Foster Beach is a shallow beach on Lake Michigan, and temperatures vary from the high 60’s to the mid 70’s. The official water temperature will be measured on race morning.
Swim caps (provided in the race packet) and swimsuits are required for the swim portion. Goggles or a face mask are optional.
Competitive division athletes may wear wetsuits up to and including 78.0°F. Recreational division athletes may wear wetsuits up to and including 83.9°F. Inflatable, swim fins, snorkels and propulsion devices are not allowed. See the attached Event Rules for full details.
No, the Bike Course is closed to vehicular traffic, and the Run is held solely on the Lakefront Path.
Aid Stations will be located at the entrance of Transition, as you run in from the Swim, at the Run Out chute and at the 1k run turnaround. Water and Gatorade Endurance will be provided. There are NO Aid Stations on the Bike Course.
There will be music, food, family fun and an Awards Ceremony following the race in the Finish Festival area southeast of Transition. We encourage all athletes and spectators to stay around for the ceremonies. The Kids Tri ceremony will take place at 10:00 AM. The SuperSprint ceremony is scheduled for approximately 11:30 AM.
Yes, professional photos will be available for purchase by Marathon Photos. Visit the type: entry-hyperlink id: 3vEumT8YNudOMQTugonPG4page.
Yes. Bring the family and enjoy the day (but leave your pets at home).
Only service animals are allowed in the finish festival.
