Subject: RE: St A's Meeky & Mighty Question My daughter did this race at age 7 and 8, and is signed up again this year. Very well-organized. I felt very secure with her safety during the race. We went the day before to scope out the course so she would know what to do. We practiced her transitions in the hotel room. The volunteers on the course are outstanding. My daughter had trouble the first year actually getting on her bike (nerves ) and a volunteer held the bike for her and gave her a little push to get her going. Very sweet. Last year, she couldnt remember where to rack her bike, and a volunteer actually took the bike for her and racked it. They go out of their way to make sure the kids have a good time. You can see your child during the whole swim (time trial ), in transition (from the fences-you can't go in to help ), duirng the in/out part of the bike (it is a loop, so he'll be out of sight for a few minutes ), and during the finish line for the run (out of sight during the back side of the run loop ). The course is very crowded with children, and the sidewalks are very crowded with parents, so it would probably not work to try to run along side him for the entire race, but there's really no need. The course is very well-marked and the race director and volunteers are spectacular. You can contact the race director if you have concerns about background checks for the volunteers, but the course is closed, and so no "strangers" would be able to jump onto the course and take your child off the bike or run course. There are just way too many adult volunteers out there, enough for the kids' safety and for parents peace of mind. Enjoy the morning! Your child will have a great race! |