Ironman Cairns – Why you should get your kid’s involved.

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Jul 29

[UPDATED JULY 2022]

IRONKIDS Cairns returns on 17 June 2023!
Register Here

Get your kids involved with this fun, safe and simple course that will have them swimming in the Esplanade Lagoon, riding along the Esplanade and running up the Boulevard before experiencing that finish line feeling underneath the official IRONMAN Finishers Arch at the Lagoon Car Park. A great day out of fun and memories for all the family!

“Best Day Ever Mum! Best Day Ever!” was my son’s chant as he crossed the Finish Line at the Ironman Cairns IronKids Event.

Ironman Cairns Kids - Josh @adventuremumma.jpg

And trust me - the week leading up to the event hadn’t been an easy journey. There were many tears – “I don’t want to do it” – and lots of reasons why he shouldn’t be part of it – “It’s my birthday weekend. It’s not fair mum”. And sure, I had my reservations, BUT I have to say that an ironman (or something similar) should be on every ‘kids’ bucket list. These are the reason’s why…….

1. It gets them off the Couch.

This was the main reason why my son was initially a reluctant participant. He views Saturday morning as his weekly chill zone. Anything that impedes on this – such as the Ironman Cairns – which doesn’t involve a technology hit is depressing for him. Fortunately, when we are out and about he always embraces what we are doing, but initially there’s always a struggle. In this case I had paid the entrant’s fees (way up front) and no lame excuse (which he always seems to have a tonne of) was getting in our way.

2. Achievable Distances.

An ironman is a huge undertaking for any individual - a 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and a 42.2km run. So why should you insist on getting your kid’s get involved? Ironman Cairns runs the IronKids event with the emphasis on fun and participation. It’s more an opportunity to ‘try a tri’ and participate, than the ‘win at all costs’ mentality. Kids (from 6 years upwards) were asked to do a 50m swim (in water they could stand up in if need be), a 1km cycle and a 500m run.

3. Kids receive recognition for participating.

It really was all about participating and giving it a go. The children were put into their age groups and when the time came to ‘race’ they were placed into smaller groups again. This way there was no huge group at the starting line and no real clear winner at the end. Every child received a participant t-shirt and medal at the end. I know my boy was pretty chuffed to walk around during the rest of Ironman Cairns with his medal hanging from his neck – he even managed to get some smiles from the real competitors that were out walking the streets before their big event.

Ironkids Cairns Competition @adventuremumma.jpg

4. It gives them a taste for competition.

Personally I don’t mind a bit of healthy competition for my children. It was obvious too that some kids had all the gear - from triathlon outfits to expensive road bikes - despite being all of 10 years. All of it spurred my boy on to make a bit of extra effort during race time. “I squeezed between the 2 of them,” Josh told me excitedly after a rip-roaring bike ride that saw him shoot between a tight gap and beat some kids to the next point.

5. Parents can Participate.

Think it might be too much for your child? I know I was slightly nervous about the course, the amount of things my son needed to remember as he transitioned from one activity to another, and the crowds. And if I was nervous, just imagine what he was feeling. Ironman Cairns IronKids offer the Family Wave – the opportunity for a parent to accompany their child (6-10yrs) around the course. I am now confident that my daughter will get involved next year. Knowing that mum (or dad) will be next to her around the course will make all the difference for her.

6. It really is a whole lotta FUN.

There were some seriously big smiles on the kid’s faces as they crossed the finishing line. You could see how pumped they were –not only thanks to the natural adrenalin from exercising but also from the crowd cheering them on from the sidelines. The IronKids course takes in some elements of the Ironman Cairns course - the kids complete their race leg along the red carpet and through the big Winning Arch. How exciting is that!! I know it bought a tear to my eye as my son pumped his hands up into the air at the end.

So we’re all committed to competing in it next year (the IronKids that is) – now all I need to do is convince the kids to do a bit of training…….

Good Things to Know:

Entry included a participant medal and event tshirt!
You also went into a draw to win random draw prizes.
It doesn't matter if you've never raced triathlon before, it’s all about giving it a go.
7-10 years - 50m Swim / 1km Cycle / 500m Run
11-13 years - 100m Swim / 3km Cycle / 1km Run
Family Wave (1 child aged 6-10 years with a parent/guardian) 50m Swim / 1km Cycle / 500m Run
The actual Cairns Airport Adventure Festival features 10 jam-packed days of events for people of all ages and abilities.
If you would like to more Info click HERE – Cairns Airport Adventure Festival.