Kids run, swim, pedal at triathalon

With the aim of introducing outdoor sports to youngsters younger than 12, several families gathered early Saturday morning at the Sparks Marina for the Third Annual Sparks Paddle, Pedal, Patter Kids Triathlon.

The triathlon included swimming, biking and running and, for the first time, kayaking.

"It's being physically active in a noncompetitive setting," said Kathleen Bloom, recreation supervisor of Parks and Recreation for the city of Sparks and also director for the annual event. "It's giving kids a chance to have fun and not so much on competition.

"We're proud of our marina and want to make use of it," Bloom said. "So, we added kayaking this year. We want to expose the kids to another sport."

The event was not just for kids, but for the entire family.

"We encourage parents to go along with their children through the paths to encourage them," Bloom said. "We want everyone to come out and have a good time."

Audrey Blondfield, 10, was the first place winner for the triathlon in her first year at the event.

She smiled and said she was "tired" after the event.

Her family met her at the finish line.

"She's been wanting to do this for a while now," said her mother, Jodie Blondfield, "We knew she'd be great at the swimming, she's part of the Sparks Piranhas swim team so it didn't intimidate her."

Her father, David Blondfield, also has competed in many triathlons.

"We've been running together lately," he said. "I took her to a mountain bike race, and Audrey said, 'I can do this.'"

They promised to be back next year.

Logan Thomason, 9, won third place in the triathlon. It was his second year participating.

"I thought it was really fun," Logan said, swinging the medal he won around his neck. "Especially the variety of sports, you can kayak, swim or walk through the water. It was fun to try something new and a little different."

"It's a chance to introduce them to physical activities." Caryn Thomason, Logan's mother, said. "It's also a great way to have fun on a Saturday morning and the great weather."

Bloom was proud of the outcome.

"The best part about it is the smiles when the kids cross the finish line," Bloom said. "They feel like it's the Olympics."

Photo by Andy Barron/Reno Gazette-Journal
Children take to the water for the Paddle, Pedal, Patter Kids Triathlon on Saturday at the Sparks Marina. Log on to RGJ.com to view a slideshow of the event.