Join us for the 8th Annual Tri For Fun race on Saturday, May 30th  2026 for this family fun event. We encourage all kids ages 5-15 to come out, and Swim- Bike-Run to the finish line. The swim takes place in our Olympic outdoor pool, and a run and bike through the surrounding neighborhoods makes this race a perfect event!

 

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What is Tri for Fun?

A family fun event to encourage youth ages 5-15 to participate in a Triathlon and HAVE FUN!

 

Family Fun

From face painting to snow cones, this event will be a fun time for the whole family.

 

Swag

Register by May 1st to guarantee your t-shirt. All finishers receive a Finishers Medal. Top female and male winners were awarded for 5-8, 9-11, and 12-15 age divisions.

Three Age Divisions:  Ages 5-8, 9-11, and 12-15.

All participants will receive a medal commemorating the events.  The top finishers will receive additional recognition and medals.  To be eligible for top finisher awards the participant must complete the event without outside assistance.  Examples of things that would disqualify an athlete from a top finisher prize include:  not completing the entire distance in the pool, wearing of any flotation device, and physical assistance from parents while on the course.  This is not to be seen as a complete list and ultimately a decision to DQ will rest with event officials.

Age Distances are based on recommendations by USA Triathlon. Click the "Course Map" tab to learn more.

Race Training

We provide a Training event to make sure all children are ready to race.  We will go over transition preparation, swim and bike safety as well as course overview!  Stay tuned for more info.

Get Special Support

Tri for Fun empowers children of all abilities to have fun, learn new skills, and feel confident being active. Our support for kids with special needs includes a buddy system, strengths-based training program, course modifications, and more. To access supports available for your child, contact Joshua Stoufflet  joshuastoufflet@gmail.com. 

 

Volunteer for the FUN!

Head to the volunteer page to find more info! 

Tri for Fun 

Distances By Age:

• 5-8yr:   50yd swim-> 0.70 mile Bike --> 0.50 mile Run
• 9-11yr:  100yd Swim --> 1.30 mile Bike --> 0.70 mile Run
• 12-15yr:  200yd Swim --> 4.10 mile Bike --> 1.35 mile Run

 

 

Course Basics

Triathlon = Swim + Bike + Run!

 

The Swim

Participants snake through the short course (25-yard lengths) of the pool. 
There will be ample water safety support in the water. If you feel tired during the swim, just roll onto your back and relax, then resume swimming when you feel ready. 
 

The Bike

·    Safety First - Hard shell helmets must be worn and fastened before leaving the transition area.
·    Stay to the RIGHT, and let faster bikes PASS on the LEFT.  
·    No headphones and earbuds.Some of the bike course is open to traffic, and police or pink-shirt volunteers are stationed at every turn.
·    There are plenty of volunteers and directional signs for guidance, but please be familiar with the course. We recommend biking or driving the course with your child prior to race day.
·    Bike support is available before the race.

 

The Run 

The run is a flat residential course.
The course is well marked with directional signs at every turn and is staffed with volunteers. 
No headphones or earbuds, please. If you feel tired, walk.

 

FAQ 

What if my child can't swim? Please email joshuastoufflet@gmail.com to arrange support for your child

What if my child has special needs and may need assistance on the course? Please email joshuastoufflet@gmail.com,  to arrange support for your child 

 

Schedule of Events for 2025

Tri for Fun Triathlon 2025
● Date – May 31, 2025, Location – SportsCenter of Morehead City
● Start Time – 8:30 am with an end time of 12 pm

Schedule

● Friday
o 4-6PM Packet pick up
o 5:30PM Pre-Race Participant Meeting (not mandatory)
● Saturday
o 7AM - Packet and chip pick up begins
o 7AM – Transition (bike rack area) opens
o 8:20AM – Safety and Course Briefing, 10 minutes before each race
o 8:30AM – (5-8) Age group start (GREEN)
o 9:15AM – (9-11) Age group start (BLUE)
o 9:50AM – (12-15) Age group start (RED)
o 11AM Awards

ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST PICK UP THEIR TIMING CHIP SATURDAY MORNING
CHECK IN

● Friday and Saturday registration will be done at the SportsCenter
● Saturday chip pick-up will be done at the outdoor pool
● After chip pick-up, make your way over to transition near Sunny Lane (outdoor pool).
● Arrive at least 45 minutes before your race starts to check in and set up in transition.

Parking - Parking will take place between 3 lots.

● SportsCenter - From the Performance Zone to the Mandy Lane entrance
● Lucas Building – All spots available
● Excel Learning Center 3 – Across from the SportsCenter
● Do not park in the grass for the properties of the Lucas Building or Excel Learning
Building

Transition Area:
● There will be no specific positions assigned on the bike racks due to the wide variety of
bikes; however, age groups will be grouped together by colored stickers (12-15 Red) (9-
11 Blue) (5-8 Green).
● Participants are asked to use only the right side of their bike to set up transition. For
example, if you are facing your bike on the rack place your towel, shoes, helmet, etc. to
the right of the front wheel.
● At the start of the bike, participants will have to walk/run their bike past the mount line
before getting on their bike. At the bike finish, participants will have to dismount at the
same place and run/walk their bikes into transition.
● Helmets are required must be fastened before leaving transition.
● No headphones of any sort will be allowed.
● All handlebar ends must be plugged or covered. 

 

Get your free Printable Tri for Fun Training Schedule Here.

The Night Before  

·      Attend the Pre-race Meeting 5:30-6pm at the Sports Center. 

·      Eat a healthy dinner, and drink plenty of water

·      Pack your bag, and car using the Checklist

·      Practice the race in your mind

·      Go to bed early

 

Race Morning

   At home

·      Eat a light breakfast

·      Drink water

·      Use the Checklist to ensure you’ve got all you’ll need.

 

  On Site

·      Arrive between 7:15 and 7:45am.

·      Park at the designated lots along 35th Street south of the Sports Center

·      Check-in at the Outdoor Pool for your wristband, and body marking.

 

In the Bike Area

·      Set up your bike, and gear in your age group's color zone in the Transition Area  (before 8:15).

·      You may want to test-ride your bike to make sure it rides smoothly after travel.

·      Volunteers will be there to help if needed.

 

At the Pool

·      Use the restroom, and drink water if you’re thirsty.

·      Stand with your Age Group

·      Watch those who go before you.

·      Relax, smile, and wait for your start.

 

During the Race 

·      Have fun

·      Follow volunteer directions

·      Encourage others

 

After the Finish 

Get your Finisher’s Medal and enjoy food, music, awards, raffle prizes, and pool party!

Tri for Fun is Making an Impact: 
Sports Center's Kids Tri for Fun training program has empowered over 75 local kids with swim and bike safety skills important for growing up active on the Crystal Coast. We’ve raised over $20,000 so far to benefit local swimming programs for children.
 
Add your momentum as a Sponsor
·     Are you a community leader looking to invest in our youth?
·     Do you, like the Sports Center of Morehead, believe in the power of fun physical activity to change a life?
 
Then it's time to get in on the FUN!  Become a sponsor today.

Download your printable Sponsor Form to the right

And drop off to Paul at The Sports Center 

Thank you!

Join the Kids Tri for Fun Training!

Tri for Fun Training are led by Certified Swim Coaches and experienced triathletes. Participants practice swim techniques, pacing, transitioning (swim to bike, bike to run), bike handling, and race day strategies.

More info coming soon! 

Location:  Sports Center of Morehead

Learn:  swim techniques, how to set up your transition area, race day strategies, and more.

Bring:  swimsuit, goggles, running shoes, water bottle, bike, helmet, and towel

Want more fun ideas for how to help your child prepare for the triathlon?

Get your free printable day by day Tri for Fun Training Schedule on the right side of the page

Tri for Fun Multi-Sport Youth Event: T-Shirt