YMCA CycleHealth Hosts Annual BreakAway Kids Tri With Modifications on August 14-15

Maple Grove, MN – CycleHealth, an initiative of the YMCA of the North which is a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will host its annual BreakAway Kids Tri on Friday, August 14 and Saturday, August 15, at Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove. The event is modified to be safe per guidance from health experts with families picking a start time, with each start time limited in participants to create physical distancing and self-guiding on the course.

The course includes three unique activities: an 8-mile family bike ride with 8 fun stops along the course; a 1-mile off-road run course; and a 100-yard swim in Elm Creek's swim pond. Participants get their adventure passports stamped after each activity, and show their stamped passports to a volunteer at the end to unlock their finisher's medal.

For the first time, kids have a shorter life expectancy than their parents due to factors such as a sedentary lifestyle and declining participation in organized sports. Local pediatricians in more than 50 clinics are collaborating with CycleHealth to change this trend by prescribing fun, unique activities, including the BreakAway Kids Tri.

"It's great to prescribe something fun and healthy rather than medication when working with youth on their wellbeing," said Dr. Tracy Hall of South Lake Pedriatrics. "Kids love CycleHealth events and families are energized to be healthier together."

"The YMCA and CycleHealth are proud to work with community partners to provide unique wellness opportunities for kids," said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the Y. "When we empower young people to develop healthy habits early, we set them up for future success."

WHO:

YMCA of the North CycleHealth and the Three River Parks District

HOW MANY PARTICIPANTS:

500 – 600 participants, from age 6 +

WHAT:

BreakAway Kids Tri

WHERE:

Elm Creek Park Reserve at 12400 James Deane Parkway in Maple Grove, MN 55369

WHEN:

Friday, August 14 from 4 – 6 p.m. and Saturday, August 15 from 8 – 11 a.m.