Try This Tri was a great, fun triathlon for all the family. Photos by Christopher Tobutt

By Christopher Tobutt

Try This Tri was the name of a really fun triathlon event, aimed at getting the whole family involved in sports, even if it was their first time.

It was put on by the Cayman Islands Triathlon Association on the morning of Sunday, 14 June, in the vicinity of the swimming pool and playing fields behind the Cayman International School, Camana Bay.

Larry Walters, President of the Cayman Islands Triathlon Association said:

“This triathlon consisted of a swim, a bike and a run. We are doing this as a family triathlon, which means all age-groups are included.”

Because the very young ones were invited to take part, and with the associated safety considerations, the swimming part of the event took place in a swimming pool environment - a first for Cayman, Mr. Walters believes (as triathlons here always use the sea instead).

The playing fields at Camana Bay turned out to be the ideal location, Mr. Walters explained. “We tried to find a place where kids could compete and not be on the road on their bike,” he said.

“There was no fee as we wanted to maximise participation,” Mr Walters added.

It was the adults who started first, (7:00 am; nice and early) with a bracing 800m swim (the ‘Sprint’) followed by a 12-mile bike ride, and a 3-mile run. Some of the participants chose to compete in teams, with three different team members allocated to each of the different activities.

An hour later, the younger competitors - the teens and older children category - started with their 400m swim, followed by a 3-mile bike ride and one-and-a-half mile run.

It was the turn of the youngest children next, who, cheered on by their moms and dads, took part in the Kids swim, of just 50 meters, followed by a half mile bike ride, and a one-fifth-of-a-mile run.

There was much applause and good fun, as even the last ones were cheered, before everyone enjoyed the refreshments, and went home, proud of their achievement.