Fitter.co.nz has made the series accessible to all children. With the help of Bike Barn they have provided the bikes for kids to compete on. All athletes have to do on race day is turn up with their running shoes and a helmet to participate.
It is a duathlon (run/bike/run) as this is a great way for newcomers to first try their hand at the sport.
The event is also delivering a clear health message about the benefits of kids having fun through physical activity while eating real food.
"You won't find any processed or sugary foods at this race."
The event has also partnered with Tri NZ. Along with individual prizes the event will also donate some of the event income back into schools with participation and overall winning school prizes.
McKinnon said that triathlon in New Zealand has a proud legacy. This event looks to build on that history of success with the next generation.
"The sport of triathlon promotes a very active and healthy lifestyle. You never know ... this series may inspire the next Hamish Carter or Bevan Docherty."
The series is hosted by the New Zealand Navy, which has provided the use of its Ngataringa sports grounds in Devonport.
This venue allows full road closure on a private 1.2km road circling the sports fields.
This makes for an incredibly safe, traffic-free race course that spectators can see in its entirety from the elevated vantage point of the Navy Clubrooms.
The BNZ FitterKids Duathlon Series
Where: Ngataringa Sports Grounds, Devonport, Auckland.
Who: Children 5-12 years of age.
When: Event 2 - Sunday, August 11; Event 3 - Sunday, September 8; Event 4 - Sunday, October 13
The events will be held regardless of weather conditions unless it is deemed that the safety of competitors may be compromised. In this case event organisers will replace the Duathlon Race with a fun run.
For more information visit fitterkids.co.nz.
