Australia Hosts Largest Pho3nix Kids Triathlon

Over 650 children took part at the Pho3nix Kids Gold Coast Triathlon on Saturday, making for a fun weekend for the family on the Gold Coast. Combined with the sold-out 2000-competitor Pho3nix Gold Coast Triathlon – Luke Harrop Memorial on Sunday, this was the most-awaited and most-attended Pho3nix triathlon event thus far.

A free event geared toward children of all ages and abilities, the Pho3nix Kids Gold Coast Triathlon featured triathlon, duathlon and aquathlon options for kids 7 to 13 years old, and introduced this year a fun run for ages 3 upwards enabling kids too young to participate in multisport to still have a go. Participants each received a free t-shirt, free medal, free popper, and sausage sandwich.

While a number of participants raced this event last year, nearly a third attended for the first time. The fun run was also a popular category, with 150 kids backing up from doing the triathlon to pump the total up to 300 participants. Even more remarkable were the 249 children who did their first ever triathlon at the Pho3nix Kids Gold Coast Triathlon, demonstrating the difference providing opportunity to engage in sport can make.

“I love it. My husband also does triathlon so the kids just come and watch him and support him. Monkey see, monkey do,” says Alicia, one of the parents present. “Koa is not old enough yet so he’s just doing the Dash. But finally Boston’s old enough. This is Aria’s third. So thanks for doing this for the kids.”

After the race, the Kids Activities Hub provided by City of the Gold Coast Active & Healthy Program provided refreshment and fun activities for kids and parents alike with its inflatable obstacle course, sporting and agility activities, coffee for mum and dad and an expo hub for kids activewear, gyms and swimming schools.

The Queensland Academy of Sport also conducted YouFor2032 talent identification testing at the Pho3nix Kids Gold Coast Triathlon to find the next generation of Queensland Olympic and Paralympic champions. Those who demonstrate potential will be invited to trial their new sport and to further training opportunities.