Emphasis on fun as kids encouraged to sign up for country's first Ironkids event

The run-only event will feature short race distances with the emphasis on fun and participation, all designed to encourage children towards a healthy and active lifestyle.

Emphasis on fun as kids encouraged to sign up for country's first Ironkids event

Children as young as three are being encouraged to sign up for the country's first Ironkids event this summer.

But they won’t be expected to run a marathon, take on a gruelling ocean swim or hit the roads on racing bikes.

The run-only event will feature short race distances with the emphasis on fun and participation, all designed to encourage children towards a healthy and active lifestyle.

Organisers of Ironman confirmed that Ironkids will be staged in Youghal this June, a day before elite athletes compete in the international event.

Last year's inaugural Ironman in Ireland was hit by severe weather, forcing the cancellation of the sea-swim.

But despite the conditions, thousands lined the streets to cheer on competitors.

British triathlete and two-time Olympic gold medallist Alistair Brownlee won the race, cycling 180kms in a time of 4:54:46 and running the marathon in 2:51:31, beating Ireland’s Bryan McCrystal into second by just under two minutes overall. Emma Bilham of Switzerland won the women's race in a time of 8:50:18.

Alistair Brownlee at Ironman event last summer.
Alistair Brownlee at Ironman event last summer.

Organisers hailed the overall event a great success with Cork County Council estimating the event generated up to €8m for the local economy.

Ironman returns to Youghal across the weekend of June 20 and 21, with Ironkids taking place on the Saturday, featuring run distances of 500m, 1,000m and 1,500m for children between the ages of three and 15.

Competitors will start at the town’s landmark Clock Gate Tower and finish under the famous Ironman finisher arch at Market Square where the Ironman athletes will finish the following day.

Ironman Ireland’s Cork race director John Wallnutt said the kids' event will be a welcome addition to the weekend.

“After the unbelievable reception the event received in its inaugural year, we look forward to another exciting weekend, this time also getting to cheer our future Ironman stars across the famous finish line,” he said.

Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Christopher O'Sullivan said the addition of Ironkids to the Ironman event presents a great opportunity to introduce children to the experience of racing, the excitement of competition and the rewards of exercise and healthy choices.

Entry to the kids event will open at 3pm on Wednesday at ironman.com/im-ireland-register. Entries, which cost €10, are limited.

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