Kids of Steel Triathlon is not this summer’s tween blockbuster. It’s an annual event put on by the YMCA for 5- to 12-year-olds that involves biking, swimming, and running/walking. The goal, says Carmen Peterson, director of the program, is to promote the health and well-being of kids, mixing physical activity with fun. “The event is not just for YMCA members; it’s for the community,” said Peterson. She’s seen this event bring parents and children, friends and families, and even complete strangers together. Peterson said the energy is incredible as everyone is cheering on the kids as they cross the finish line. “It’s a time when the kids get to be the stars,” said Peterson.

    Carol Fahrenkrog, who first began the Kids of Steel Triathlon, got the idea from her husband, who had participated in many triathlons. There isn’t an event quite like it in the area, and this particular age group doesn’t have many events to be involved in. And so she started the Kids of Steel.

    They had been looking for a name that would sound tough. The “YMCA Kids’ Triathlon” didn’t have the right ring to it, but when they stumbled upon “Kids of Steel,” it felt just right. The T-shirts were better. “It was so cute seeing these kids in their ‘Kids of Steel’ T-shirts with a picture of an ant flexing its bicep,” said Fahrenkrog.

    The sense of accomplishment from the triathlon is also important. “Kids are under a lot of pressure. There are people who tell them they need to do better in school, or be better in basketball, or beat this time. This triathlon isn’t timed. Every kid finishes, and every kid gets a medal,” said Fahrenkrog. She said that it’s fantastic to see these kids cross the finish line glowing with pride. It’s something they can complete on their own.