Race4Chase Kids Triathlon Program

Geographic Scope: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and New York

Focus Areas: Youth triathlon training and competition for children ages 6-12

Program Description:
The Race4Chase Kids Triathlon program is a youth triathlon program aimed to provide kids aged 6 to 12 with a safe, healthy non-competitive environment to discover the sport of triathlon. It brings together kids from all different backgrounds and educates them on how to adopt a healthy lifestyle, coaches them to develop a foundation of athletic skills, and inspires them to aim high in sports and in life.

Key Features:

• Six-week goal-oriented summer program
• Expert instruction in swimming, cycling, running, strength training and flexibility
• Fundamentals of good nutrition education
• Custom-designed training program with one-on-one support
• Bicycles provided by the program for training
• Participants without bicycles can take one home at program end
• Culminates in USAT-sanctioned triathlon race (FINALE events)
• Low cost to all participants

Program Statistics (2024):

• Over 800 youth ages 6-12 completed the program
• 30 program sites across five states
• 111 youth learned how to bike
• 116 youth learned how to swim
• 41 children received bikes to take home

FINALE Event Locations:

• YMCA Camp Sloper, Southington, CT
• Fort Adams, Newport, Rhode Island
• Buffalo, New York
• Community YMCA, Clover, South Carolina

Background:
Program was created to honor Chase Kowalski, who loved running, swimming, and biking. At six years old, he asked his parents to find him a triathlon to compete in and successfully completed his first triathlon, winning his age group.

How to Participate

• Contact your local program site to register
• Program is low-cost to all participants
• For a full list of approved program sites, visit the program sites pages organized by state (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, South Carolina, New York)
• For sponsorship inquiries or equipment/support offerings, contact: info@cmakfoundation.org