Columbus Annual Youth Triathlon

06/28/2025

Due to the potential for rain and storms around the scheduled start time, we have made the decision to cancel tonight’s Youth Triathlon. The safety of our participants is our top priority, and we do not want to risk having children riding bikes on wet roads in the event of inclement weather.

We are currently exploring options for a rescheduled date and will share that information as soon as it becomes available.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Jen Morrill
Race Director

Jim Lemke
Donner Aquatics Manager

06/27/2025

Important Race Information

Schedule of Events:

Saturday, June 28, 2025
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm - Packet Pickup/Body Marking
6:45 pm – Mandatory Race Meeting
7:00 pm – Race Start Time
7:45-8:00 pm – Awards Ceremony (Pool Concession Area)

Location:
Donner Aquatic Center
22nd & Sycamore Drive
Columbus, IN 47201

Parking:
Parking will be provided in the lot on 22nd and Sycamore Street in front of Donner Aquatic Center. Lot will be closed during the race – approximately 7:00 p.m. till the last participant is off the course for safety reasons.

Transition/Race Details:
Transition will be located behind Donner Aquatic Center in the staff parking lot. Transition opens at 5:30 p.m. and will close at 7:00 p.m. Please report to that location with your bike upon arriving. There will be a registration table where you will need to check in to get your race bib and body marking. Each participant will have their race number written on their arm.

Helmets are required to race. No helmet – no race.

The transition area will be closed off once the race begins. Parents will not be allowed in transition during the race. We will have volunteers in the transition area to help the kids with shoes, helmets, etc.

Race Bibs will need to be worn during the run portion of the race.

Kids ages 11-14 will do two laps of the bike course. We will have a volunteer on the course reminding them to start their second lap.

Water stop will be provided on the run portion of the race. Kids are encouraged to carry a water bottle on their bike or have one in transition.

Timing:
The race will be timed by Indiana Timing. Results will be posted after the race on our FB page: Columbus Annual Youth Triathlon

One child at a time will enter the pool every 10 seconds. We will start the race with the 11-14 year olds. Once they have cleared the pool, the 6-10 year olds will start. Lifeguards will be on the pool deck as well as in the water to assist swimmers as needed.

Awards:
The top 3 overall male and female finishers will receive an award. We will also give awards to the top 3 age group finishers male and female.

Age groups are as follows: 6 year olds, 7/8 year olds, 9/10 year olds, 11/12 year olds, 13/14 year olds.

Post Race Food:
Water and popsicles will be provided for the participants post race.

06/26/2025

Missed registering for the Youth Triathlon? You can register on race day. Cost is $35. Please bring a check or cash. Checks can be made out to Columbus Parks and Recreation. Registration opens at 5:30 pm.

06/23/2025

We still need lots of volunteers Sat evening for the youth triathlon.

Here is the link to sign up. Thank you 🙏🏻

06/17/2025

Volunteers are needed for the Youth Triathlon on Saturday, June 28th. Here is the link to sign up to help:

The 14th Annual Columbus Youth Triathlon will be held at Donner Aquatic Center on Saturday, June 28th. Race starts at 7:00 p.m. Youth will swim, bike and run. Volunteers are needed on the race course to help protect the kids from traffic, cheer, and ensure they know what direction to go. This race i...

12/27/2024

Our youth triathlon timer, Jeff Niewedde (Indiana Timing), was in an accident in September that left him in a coma for 10 weeks with a brain injury. He is back home now recovering but still needs surgeries and therapy to fully recover. We are hosting a 5k on New Year’s Day to raise funds to help Jeff financially. Please consider donating or signing up for the race. Here is the link to the donation page.

Jeff times our youth triathlon for free each year. Let’s collectively give back in his time of need!

The Niewedde New Year Classic 5k is on Wednesday January 1, 2025. It includes the following events: 5k Run/Walk - Adult 19+ and 5k Run/Walk - Youth.

06/23/2024

Congratulations to all our participants!

06/23/2024

Jen here ~ 13 years ago, Jim Lemke and I created the youth triathlon. At the time, my own kids were 7 and 9 and both participated in the first race and several times after that.

Tonight both came out to help. Winter was on the pool deck, finish line and handed out awards. Jacob and his wife, Allison, were at an intersection on the bike course. I couldn’t help but share some throwback pics to the first year when they were participants! (Check out the old wooden bike racks!)

06/23/2024

Race results are posted! Thank you to all who came out and raced and special thanks to all the volunteers!

06/10/2024

Volunteers are needed for the 2024 Youth Triathlon on June 22nd. Please use the link below if you are able to help! Thank you and feel free to share!