Fifth Annual Stamford KIC IT Triathlon Set For July 1

The fifth annual Stamford KIC IT Triathlon is set for July 1, one day following the second annual Stamford KIC IT Kids Triathlon.

The two popular athletic events are part of a weekend designed specifically to take advantage of one of the fastest growing sports for adults and children while providing a weekend of competition and fun for families.

A family festival, featuring music, games and food, takes place following the conclusion of the Stamford KIC IT Triathlon.

Both events raise awareness and funds for Kids in Crisis, a free emergency shelter and 24-hour crisis counseling center for Fairfield County children and families.

Following its resounding success last year, Kids in Crisis has decided to make the Stamford KIC IT Kids Triathlon an annual contest. Featuring two age groups racing on distinct courses at Cove Beach, the race is about participation, not competition.

Slated to start at 7:30 a.m., the Stamford KIC IT Kids Triathlon will be conducted in two waves. Wave 1 will feature children ages 7-10, who will complete a 50-meter swim, a two-mile bike course and half-mile run. Wave two will be for children ages 11-13, who will complete a 150-meter swim, four-mile bike race and one-mile run.

Kids in Crisis expects this year’s event to sell out with 600 athletes.

The next morning, the Stamford KIC IT Triathlon takes center stage throughout the city.

Starting with a .9 mile swim at Cummings Beach in Long Island Sound, the Olympic-distance race winds its way through Stamford as athletes next tackle a 24.8 mile bike ride through downtown and North Stamford, then finish with a 6.2 mile run back through the city’s business district.

Last year’s race had 540 participants, and Kids in Crisis anticipates that this year's race will sell out in record time.

The family festival features a free carnival in Columbus Park open to the public with food, games and activities for all ages, including face painting, a giant obstacle course, caricatures and more.

The Stamford KIC IT Triathlon was created in 2008 to support the services offered by Kids in Crisis.

Since its introduction, the Stamford KIC IT Triathlon has grown into an outstanding athletic event attracting competitors from across the country while maintaining a special focus on offering a fun family experience.

The success of the Stamford KIC IT Triathlon has been made possible by support from area businesses, individuals and city government.  More than 30 members of the community, including residents, business owners, athletes and corporate executives, collaborate throughout the year to produce the event.

Kids in Crisis (www.kidsincrisis.org) is Connecticut’s only free, round-the-clock agency providing emergency shelter, crisis counseling and community educational programs for children of all ages and families dealing with a wide range of crises, including domestic violence, mental health and family problems, substance abuse and economic difficulties

Since its founding in 1978, Kids in Crisis has helped more than 107,000 Connecticut children and families. In 2011, 5,115 children and families received assistance from the organization.