Parent FAQs
Click on the question you'd like answered:
01. What is the Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRY-athlon?02. What are the distances I must swim, cycle and run?03. Who actually runs the event?04. How long does it take to do the Kids TRY-athlon?05. Do we get times/places?06. How do I enter?07.What is the Parents Agreement, Waiver and Acknowledgement Form?08. How old do I need to be to participate in the Kids TRY-athlon?09. What should I bring?10. What should I do before the day?11. What should I do on the day?12. Is there a limit to how many kids can enter the Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRY-athlon?13. How safe is the Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRY-athlon?14. What do the Volunteers look like?15. Does it matter if I have not done a Triathlon before?16. Do I need any special equipment?17. Can I wear floaties or flippers?18. Can I do any type of swimming stroke?19. Where will I swim, ride and run?20. What is Transition?21. Can kids share bikes?22. Can my parents help me?23. What if my child has a medical or physical condition?24. What does the Kids TRY-athlon cost and what do I get for it?25. Is there a late fee?26. Can I get a refund if I want to drop out of the Kids TRY-athlon?27. What happens if it rains?28. Should I eat before I come to the Kids TRY-athlon?29. Do I have to drink anything special?30. What should I eat for dinner the night before?31. What time do I need to arrive?32. Where do we park on the morning of the event?33. Will my family and friends be able to watch me?34. Can my child that is 10 years old go into the 11-15 group to participate in a longer distance?35. What happens if I need to go the toilet?36. What if I get lost?37. How do I find my bike in the transition area?38. When can I get my bike after I have finished?39. Do I have to wear goggles?40. What if I have only ever swum in a pool? Will I be able to touch the bottom?41. What happens after the event?42. How do I get my singlet on when I am all wet?43. Can I get dressed after the swim?44. Should I wear a cap in the run?45. Do I have to do any special training?46. When does the event kit arrive by post?1. What is the Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRY-athlon?The
Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRY-athlon is for kids aged 7 - 15 years of age.
It doesn't matter if you have participated in the
Kids TRY-athlon Series before or not. The
Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRY-athlon is all about TRY-ing your best and having a go!
First you do the
Swim Leg, then the
Cycle Leg, and finally the
Run. When you cross the line, we are there to give you a medallion and certificate.
2. What are the distances I must swim, cycle and run?
| Age |
Swim |
Cycle |
Run |
| 11 - 15 |
200m* |
6km* |
1km* |
| 7 - 10 |
100m* |
3km* |
500m* |
- approximate distances - may vary slightly with each location.
3. Who actually runs the event?Sanitarium Health Food Company runs this event to encourage kids to give sport and physical activity a go.
4. How long does it take to do the Kids TRY-athlon?This depends on your age group and whether your strength is in swimming, cycling and running or all three! 7-10 year olds generally take about 15-20 minutes while the 11-15 year olds can take about 18 -25 minutes.
5. Do we get times/places?No, the
Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRY-athlon is about fun, participation and giving it a go. We believe that every kid's a winner, and so every participant receives a medallion as they finish - there are no times or places kept.
6. How do I enter?You can enter online right here
7. What is the Parents Agreement, Waiver and Acknowledgement Form?This is a form that advised you and your parents of all your legal rights and the Terms and Conditions of entering the
Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRY-athlon.
This form must be read, understood and accepted by your parent or carer for you to be able to register.
If you are registering online, your parent or carer will be asked to read the form and click a button to say they agree to the conditions. If you are registering by mail, your parents or legal guardian must sign the appropriate section on the entry form.
8. How old do I need to be to participate in the Kids TRY-athlon?You need to be aged between 7 - 15 on the day of the event you are entering.
9. What should I bring?
- Your participant pack
- Your swimsuit and goggles
- A towel - a brightly coloured towel will make it easier to find your bike in the transition area.
- ASSA approved bike helmet (the sticker should be inside your helmet).
- Make sure you pack your bike in the car with your helmet.
- A good pair of running shoes.
- Sun screen and a hat or cap
- Warm clothes for after the event
- Healthy snacks like fresh fruit and drinks for when you need some energy!
- Why not make a day of your Kids TRY-athlon event? Ask mum, dad or you're your carer to make a picnic lunch, and bring your whole family!
- You might like to bring some pocket money so you can buy some of the cool gear from our sponsors like hats, towels and more.
- Most important of all have a positive attitude and a big smile for the photographers!
10. What should I do before the day?
- Make sure your swimsuit is the right size so it won't cause rubbing and chafing.
- Test your goggles for leaking or scratches.
- Make sure your helmet complies with Australian Safety Standards.
- Get your bike checked over before the event with the free bike check you will receive from Malvern Star when you register. Click here for details on where you can go. Elastic laces in your running shoes can make it much quicker to slip your shoes on.
- Make sure your bag is packed the night before so you don't have to worry about finding things on the morning of the event!
11. What should I do on the day?
- It is important that you arrive on time. You must complete Check-In and place your bike in the transition area before 8:30am. Allow plenty of time for this.
- Make sure you stretch and warm up before the event.
- Pay attention to the instructions and rules that will be given to you before the event in your briefing session.
- Keep drinking water throughout the day to make sure you don't get dehydrated.
- Familiarise yourself with the transition area and all exits and entries.
- Lay out your Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRY-athlon New Balance T shirt from your participant pack and your bright towel on your bike, and place your running shoes on the ground close to your place so you can reach them easier.
12. Is there a limit to how many kids can enter the Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRY-athlon?Yes. At each event there are limited places so you will need to get in early!
| Just so you have an idea of how many kids are expected at each event: |
| Sydney |
2,600 |
| Perth |
3,300 |
| Adelaide |
800 |
| Melbourne |
3,300 |
| Geelong |
1,200 |
| Canberra |
1,200 |
| Brisbane |
2,700 |
For every child that participates there is usually 2 or 3 friends and/or family with them.
13. How safe is the Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRY-athlon?We aim to provide you with the safest possible environment. At every stage along the course (swim, transition, cycle and run) there are friendly Volunteers who are there to assist you if you need it. Our Volunteers will be wearing official shirts so they will be easy to spot.
If you have a medical and/or physical condition that may require you to need assistance during the course, make sure that you tell us on your entry form when you register or call
1800 989 999. This way, we know who you are and can make sure our Volunteers are there to help you if you need it.
The
Kids TRY-athlon will start with the Swim Leg, then move onto the Malvern Star Cycle Leg and finally the New Balance Run. You will start off in your age and gender groups with about 20 - 30 children in each group. This way you will have room to move, even though there will be others swimming/cycling/running near you. If you have any other questions regarding safety, please call us on
1800 989 999.
14. What do the Volunteers look like?All Volunteers will be wearing an official Help Team t-shirt so you can spot them easily. Don't be scared to ask them for help - that is what they are there for!
15. Does it matter if I have not done a Triathlon before?No, the Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRY-athlons are designed for you to learn about triathlon and to have lots of FUN! We explain everything you need to know and there are lots of people to help you on the day. It's all about 'giving it a go!'
16. Do I need any special equipment?No, you do not need any special equipment.
Each participant will need the following:
- A bike. Any type is allowed as long as it is safe. Take your bike to your nearest bike dealer for a FREE bike check.
- A helmet that has passed the relevant safety checks (ASSA) - This is the Australian Safety Standard Association. If the helmet has passed the relevant safety checks it will have a sticker located inside the helmet.
- Swimming suit and goggles - you are allowed to wear a wet suit and aquashoes if you want to.
- Running shoes. You MUST wear your running shoes when you do the Malvern Star Cycle Leg and New Balance Run. Your shoes should fully cover your feet - no thongs or sandals.
17. Can I wear floaties or flippers?
Every participant in the Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRY-athlon MUST be able to swim. Floaties and flippers can obstruct other participants while swimming so we ask that floaties and flippers or other items to help you swim are not worn. If you need any further information on swim safety at our event, please contact 1800 989 999.
18. Can I do any type of swimming stroke?
Yes you can! But freestyle is recommended.
19. Where will I swim, ride and run?
At some of the Kids TRY-athlon events you will have to ride on the roads that are totally closed to traffic.
20. What is Transition?
Transition is like a 'change over'. When you come from the swim, you will 'change over' to bike ride. When you finish your bike ride, you will come back to transition to' change over' to your run.
21. Can kids share bikes?
Participants cannot share bikes during the Kids TRY-athlon event. Each participant, including kids from the same family, must have his or her own bicycle. Sharing bikes can compromise safety and security.
22. Can my parents help me?
Your parents or legal guardian (one adult only) can help set up your bike and helmet in the transition area before the event. Once this is ready, your parent or legal guardian must leave the transition area. There will be lots of friendly Kennards Hire Help Team Volunteers that will help you along the way whenever you need them. Once the event is completely finished you are allowed to have one parent only come into the transition area to help you collect your bike. Bikes are not be allowed to be taken from the transition area until advised by Kids TRY-athlon Event Director.
23. What if my child has a medical or physical condition?
On the entry form is a place for you to write down your medical or physical condition. We request that you attach a note to the entry form or call us on 1800 989 999 and outline the condition. Please make sure Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRY-athlon team know about it. We need to make sure that you will be safe on the day!
If you do not feel well during the event let a Kennards Hire Help Team Volunteer (in a red shirt) know straight away. They will be able to look after you.
24. What does the Kids TRY-athlon cost and what do I get for it?
This series each individual entry will cost $35 (GST incl.) OR TRYstar* member $30 (GST incl.) OR Family of 3 or more $30 per entrant (GST incl.)
*TRYstar - is a current financial member of Triathlon Australia and will have a membership number.
You will receive:
- New Balance T shirt (You MUST wear this on the cycle and run)
- Eyeline Swim Cap (You MUST wear this for the swimming leg)
- Kids TRY-athlon Official 2008 Medallion and Certificate
- FREE Malvern Star bike check and Rosebank helmet check prior to your event Kids TRY-athlon chest bib number. (You MUST wear this on your singlet when you are doing the cycling and running)
- FREE Sanitarium "Breakfast of Champions" after you have finished
- Celebrities and sporting stars at each event to cheer you on!
- Plus loads of other cool stuff!
25. Is there a late fee?Yes, a late fee applies after the registration closing date for each event. Because of the extra costs involved in registering late entries, any individual who registers after the registration closing date will need to pay an extra $10 on top of the entry fee, or $10 for a family entry of 3 or more.
26. Can I get a refund if I want to drop out of the Kids TRY-athlon?You can get a refund up until the registration closing date for the event you have entered. Once the registration closing date has passed, you will NOT receive a refund. If
Sanitarium Health Food Company chooses to cancel an event before or after the registration closing date for your event, a full refund will be given.
27. What happens if it rains?The event will still be held if it rains, unless it is torrential and is considered dangerous. If this is the case, every effort will be made to notify all participants. That's why we need your full details when you register.
28. Should I eat before I come to the Kids TRY-athlon?We suggest that you eat something light before the
Kids TRY-athlon. Perhaps some fruit, an
Up & Go®, a piece of toast or some
Weet-Bix® should help to settle your tummy. Try not to eat a big breakfast as we don't want you to feel sick during the
Kids TRY-athlon.
Sanitarium Health Food Company will be providing a FREE "Breakfast of Champions" for all the kids who entered the event, once you finish.
29. Do I have to drink anything special?We suggest that you bring your own bottle as we will not be providing one. There will be water taps around the event site so that you can refill your bottle of water.
We suggest that you have your water with you next to your bike in the transition area. You can then take a drink after the Swim Leg and before the New Balance Run.
30. What should I eat for dinner the night before?Your normal family dinner is fine.
31. What time do I need to arrive?Event check-in starts at 7am at all events except Geelong where the timetable is half an hour earlier. Give yourself plenty of time to park, register and relax before starting the
Kids TRY-athlon at 9am. Keep in mind that at some events it may be difficult to find a parking space, therefore it might be a good idea to arrive early. Allow at least a half-hour for the check-in process, which includes getting your registration number and putting your bike into the transition area.
| PROGRAM/TIMETABLE* |
| 7.00-8.20am |
Check-In & Numbering at Event Check-In |
| 7.00-8:30am |
Bikes to be racked in the transition area |
| 8.30am |
Event Check-In CLOSES |
| 8.45am |
Kids TRY-athlon briefing for 11-15 yr olds near the swim start |
| 9.00am |
Kids TRY-athlon start for 11-15 yr olds at the swim start |
| 9.30am** |
Kids TRY-athlon briefing for 7-10 yr olds near the swim start |
| 9.45am** |
Kids TRY-athlon start for 7-10 yr olds at the swim start |
| 11.30am** |
Stage Presentation |
*Note Geelong is half an hour earlier
**Time may vary due to variances for different events in starts for 7-10 year olds
It is probably best to allow the whole morning for the
Kids TRY-athlon.
32. Where do we park on the morning of the event?Each event has different parking areas.
Select an event to view details.
33. Will my family and friends be able to watch me?Yes, spectators will be able to see most of the event. But they will have to move around and stay behind the safety barriers. Spectators are not allowed on the course.
34. Can my child that is 10 years old go into the 11-15 group to participate in a longer distance?There are guidelines set for distances that children can participate in triathlons based on their age. If an older child wishes to participate in the shorter distance then we are happy to accommodate this, however in the case of younger children participating in the longer distance, this would be at the discretion of the
Kids TRY-athlon Event Director. Please contact
1800 989 999 to discuss this further if your child really would like to do this.
35. What happens if I need to go the toilet?We suggest that you go to the toilet before the event starts. If you need to go during the
Kids TRY-athlon and cannot hang on, just let a Help Team Volunteer know and they will be able to take you to the toilet. You will be able to rejoin the course at the place where you left.
36. What if I get lost?It's probably a good idea at the beginning of the day to organise with your parents a special spot to go to if you or your parents get lost. At each of the events will be a "Meeting Point" tent that you can go to if you can't find mum or dad. Just ask one of the friendly Help Team volunteers (in an official t-shirt) where the 'Meeting Point' is.
37. How do I find my bike in the transition area?You will need to remember which row you placed your bike in when you first place it in the transition area. The transition area is split up into age and gender groups so you will know your area, and marshals are also there to help you.
38. When can I get my bike after I have finished?You will not be able to collect your bike until everyone has finished the
Kids TRY-athlon. The
Kids TRY-athlon Event Director will let you know when the transition area is open. Only
one adult may accompany their child into the transition area after the event to collect their bike, and Help Team Volunteers will be available to assist if needed. This is to provide safety and security at the event.
39. Do I have to wear goggles?No, they are not compulsory. You should only wear them if you are used to swimming with them.
40. What if I have only ever swum in a pool? Will I be able to touch the bottom?The swims will be very clearly marked with swim buoys and lifesavers will be there to assist you so there is no need to be scared. Because the
Kids TRY-athlon event in Canberra will be held at the
Australian Institute of Sport, and the
Kids TRY-athlon event in Sydney will be held at the Sydney Olympic Centre, all participants in these two events will be swimming in a pool.
41. What happens after the event?After you finish your
Kids TRY-athlon you can have a
Sanitarium "
Breakfast of Champions", meet with your parents, check out some of the goodies for sale and stay for the stage presentation to find out if you or your school has won a prize! Don't forget to head down to TRY-athlon Village where all the fun of the day continues!
42. How do I get my New Balance T shirt on when I am all wet?It is a little tricky but you can take your time. If you get stuck, a Help Team Volunteer can help you.
43. Can I get dressed after the swim?Normally you just put your T shirt over your swimmers and then put on your shoes and socks. However, if you feel more comfortable wearing shorts, you can take your time and put them on. Remember that you are not being timed, so you can take as long as you need to.
44. Should I wear a hat in the run?If you feel comfortable and want to be sun smart then we suggest you do wear a hat.
45. Do I have to do any special training?No, that's the best thing about the
Kids TRY-athlon. Anyone can do it. However,
click here if you want some practice and health tips to help you do your best on the day.
46. When does the event kit arrive by post?Event Kits will be posted 2 weeks prior to each event provided you have registered early enough (see
home page for closing date details). If Kits are not received by the Thursday 10 days before the event
contact us by email with the registered participants name -
click here