| | Published April 13th, 2011
| Moraga Triathlon Adds Youth Divisions
| | By Rebecca Eckland |  | | Photo Ohlen Alexander
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On April 30th, it's time to swim, bike and run. From humble beginnings, the Moraga Treeline Triathlon has grown to host nearly 300 athletes, including two new age divisions for children ages 5-7 and 8-11 to celebrate five successful years of competitive, local fun.
This is triathlete Matthew Valen's fourth year participating in the Moraga Triathlon-he has competed in triathlons since 1987. "It's a great venue for everybody," said Valen. "It's low-key so it's great for beginners who want to get into the sport. It's also a great warm-up event for more serious athletes since it's so early in the racing season."
Valen points to the small, local tone as an appealing aspect of the venue. "Sometimes it's fun to do a relay [an option at the Moraga Tri] if you only want to do one event instead of all three."
Race director Jay Ingram of Moraga Parks and Recreation says he's excited about these new youth divisions. "The younger age group will remain on Campolindo's campus even for the bike portion," he said, "and exceptions might be made for the swim distance as well-- some swimmers might be able to use a kick board or swim a little less."
The older kids will ride on the shoulder of Moraga Road to Carroll Ranch. Ingram said, "They will be closely monitored; they get to ride a little bit longer so they can have a taste of the 'big' tri."
The 5-7 age group will swim 50m, bike a third mile and complete a quarter mile run. For those in the 8-11 age group, the swim distance will be the same, but they will complete a three-quarter mile bike and a three-quarter mile run.
So far, forty young athletes have registered for these new age divisions.
Ingram described the kids' course as low-key, flat and fun. "It's a great local event, and it's sponsored by many local, Moraga businesses." Sponsors include Village Associates Real Estate and the Moraga Park Foundation, among many others.
Space is still available for racers in both adult and youth fields.
Ingram also mentioned that the Parks and Recreation department is looking for volunteers for race support, especially with the addition of two additional race courses for the younger groups. Volunteers will receive a free t-shirt for their services.
Finishers of all ages will receive a finishing medal once they cross the finish line.
To volunteer call (925) 888-7034.
To register go to
www.moragatri.com.
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 | | Photo Ohlen Alexander
|  | | Photo provided
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA