Just the other week, Kenyan runner Sabastian Sawe broke the world marathon record. Not only did he break the world record, but he was the first to complete this 26.2-mile race in under 2 hours, having finished at 1:59:30. Fortunately for us, Sabastian Sawe will not be competing in this year’s Tigard Mini Duathlon race against kids between the ages of 6 and 12.
Children have an extraordinary amount of energy. I am constantly amazed at the little downtime my kids need between activities. In a single morning, they’ll go from their gymnastics class to immediately play at the park, only to then have lunch and ask to go on a hike. The energy of little ones is impressive. As parents, my wife and I lean into this heavily.
While rest is important for people of all ages, we encourage our kids to stay active by both playing with them and fostering independent play. Screens can be a useful, strategic tool for parents. But it can easily become a crutch. So while we know we live in a world filled with smartphones, tablets, and laptops, we do our best to focus on being physically active, playing with physical toys, or reading a book.
Fortunately for all of us, there are plenty of coordinated outdoor events that encourage physical play.
On Saturday, May 30th, is the Tigard Mini Duathlon. This 1.5-mile race is designed for children ages 6 to 12. Participants will put on their running shoes and bring their bike and helmet for this two-part race around Summerlake Park.
This event is meant for beginners looking to participate in a friendly race and try their best. A really cool part about this race is that even if your little one doesn’t own a bike, you can request to borrow one by responding to Katelyn’s (one of the organizers) email address, kaitlynl@tigard-or.gov.
Participants and their families are encouraged to arrive for check-in at 8:30 am. There are two starting times: 9:00 am for the 6-8 year olds and 9:35 am for the 9-12 year olds. This is a great opportunity for your little ones to have some fun and see how well they do with a running-bike ride combo race.
Registration is required for your kids to take part, and it closes on May 28th. There is a $5 fee per child. Summerlake Park is located at 11450 SW Winterlake Drive, Tigard, Oregon 97223. There is ample street parking along the entire park. As with any popular event, using time to your advantage is always a smart move. Also, you do not need to be a Tigard resident for your kid to join the race. This friendly competition is open to everyone ages 6 through 12.
As with any physical activity, especially ones outside, please ensure that your little ones are wearing all necessary safety gear and are well hydrated. Even earlier in the day, the sun can get quite bright, so sunscreen is another smart option to prevent sunburns. This time of year in Oregon is perfect for a morning race; make sure everyone is properly prepared.
Summerlake Park in Tigard covers about 30 acres and features a large lake, walking trails, pickleball courts, and more.
There is a nice blend of paved and unpaved pathways, a rhododendron garden, and even a popular birdwatching spot. Sometimes it is easy to forget that this beautiful place sits right off of Scholls Ferry Road. It truly is a special place.
I have been going here my entire life, whether to play pick-up basketball games or go for a long stroll. More recently, it’s been a place I take my own children to so they can play on the jungle gyms.
On the west side of the park is a fenced, off-leash dog park, which is very popular in the summer months. Additionally, there are ample picnic spaces, including rentable covered spaces for parties and events. There is so much to do here at Summerlake Park that it is worth visiting even if you decide to pass on the Mini Duathlon.
This race will be a ton of fun for the participants and their supporters.
Getting our kids outside to play is essential not only for their development but also for their happiness. From one parent to the other, I promise you will never look back and say, “I wish I had let my kid stare at their tablet longer.”
Kids have a remarkable amount of energy, and the Tigard Mini Duathlon race is designed to be the perfect outlet.
With Sabastian Sawe skipping this race, it’s unclear who will take 1st place.
Alex is a devoted husband and father born and raised in Portland, Oregon. He is a professional artist, author, and advisor for both Yale and Harvard University’s arts departments. His books, ‘Selling Leonardo: The Art World’s Greatest Scandal’ and ‘Holy Ghost: Decoding Leonardo da Vinci’s Final Painting’ are available wherever books are sold.