Photo By Kristen Wong | Triathlon participant Amelia McCourt, 12, a native of Detroit, heads for the finish...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII — The waters of Kaneohe Bay eagerly rose toward the feet of more than 60 boys and girls in multicolored bathing suits, rash guards and swim trunks, standing obediently in single file behind Dino Leonard, a staff member of Marine Corps Community Services Hawaii Aquatics, Aug. 8, 2015.
Steven Foster, the race coordinator, depressed the blue air horn, its loud squawk ushering the beginning of the Keiki Tradewind Triathlon in front of Hangar 101 aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Keiki, or “children,” in the Hawaiian language, ages 7 to 10 years completed a 100-meter swim in Kaneohe Bay, biked 3 miles, and ran 0.8 miles. The 11 to 14-year-old children swam 200 meters, biked 6 miles and ran 1.2 miles.
“It is a great way to keep our keiki active and goal oriented,” said Krista Shipes, the athletic director of Semper Fit.
Shipes said the triathlon gave the children an opportunity to challenge themselves with a variety of events.
Foster commented that this year yielded the best weather for the triathlon. During one of the previous triathlons, Foster said there was a monsoon, and coordinators were forced to cancel the bike portion.
“This is what the sport of triathlons is about - getting the little kids started (competing in triathlons),” Foster said. “They’ll eventually grow into the sport, so the guys (who) are out racing here today in the future will be racing (during the Tradewind Triathlon).”
The Keiki Tradewind Triathlon was an initiative by the commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station K-Bay four years ago. Since the Tradewind Triathlon was first established, MCAS K-Bay has been the supporting unit for the race.
More than 70 volunteers with MCAS Kaneohe Bay supported the triathlon, working since 2 a.m., setting up the course, and assisting the racers. The volunteers, which included Marines, Sailors and spouses, helped both with the child and adult triathlons over the weekend.
“Everything was very organized and it (looked) like everyone had fun,” said Gunnery Sgt. Enrique Ramos, the airfield operations chief, for MCAS Kaneohe Bay, and a San Antonio native.
As each child headed for the finish line, cheers erupted, and MCCS staff members were on hand to present commemorative medals for them to remember the day.
Andrew Bachl, of Kailua, Hawaii, was the first finisher in the 7 to 10 age division. This was the second Keiki Tradewind Triathlon for the 8 year old, who enjoys running. Bachl’s sister, Lily, came in first for the 11 to 14 age division. To prepare for the triathlon, Bachl rode his bike a few days a week between 30 minutes to an hour each week, and participated in the Running Club every morning at school. He also swims with the Aulea Swim Team, and additionally bikes to swim practice. Bachl said the most challenging portion of the race for him was swimming in Kaneohe Bay, as he usually swims in a pool.
Also among the racers were base residents Elliot and Leyne Davis. Leyne, 8, who described the race as fun, and even easy, prepared by swimming each day, and riding her bike nearly every day. Elliot Davis, 7, said the run was the hardest part of the triathlon because running gave her painful cramps. However, she said other children should participate in the triathlon because it’s good exercise.
For more information about the Commanding Officer’s Fitness Series, visit www.mccshawaii.com/races, or call the coordinator at 254-7590.
The triathlon, a part of the Commanding Officer’s Fitness Series, furthers MCB Hawaii’s mission, which is to provide facilities, programs and services to sustain combat readiness for all operating forces and tenant organizations aboard the installation.
| Date Taken: | 08.11.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 08.12.2015 16:42 |
| Story ID: | 172836 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII , HI, US |
| Web Views: | 61 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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