Simon Ababou, fitness director with the Lititz recCenter, said he is pleased with the results of the adult triathlon the organization held on Aug. 8. "We had 234 participants, between teams and individual participation," noted Ababou. "We were so happy to see that success."

Now, Ababou is looking ahead to the children's version of the event. "It's time for the youth (to participate) to help keep them moving," he said. The 15th annual youth triathlon will be held at the rec center, 301 W. Maple St., Lititz, on Friday, Oct. 8, at 5 p.m. The triathlon is open to all area students between the ages of 5 and 12, including those living in neighboring boroughs. Check-in time on the day of the event will be 3:45 p.m. Bicycle safety checks will be held from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. The event generally concludes by 6 p.m. The rain date will be Friday, Oct. 15.

To hold a safe event, Ababou said that the maximum number of participants will remain at 70. Masks will be optional. Children will begin each segment of the event in waves for their designated age group.

Youth participants will start the event with a swim in the indoor rec center pool. The bike portion of the event will be divided into age groups, with ages 5 and 6, 7 and 8, 9 and 10, and 11 and 12 grouped together. Children ages 5 and 6 will swim one length of the pool, bike two laps, and run a quarter-mile. Those ages 7 and 8 will swim one length, bike three laps, and run a quarter-mile. Youngsters ages 9 and 10 will swim two lengths, bike four laps, and run a half-mile. Youths ages 11 and 12 will swim three lengths, bike five laps, and run three-quarters of a mile.

Participants are asked to bring their bicycle, a helmet, a swimsuit, a towel, and running shoes to the event. Proper swimwear is required. Athletes will not change clothing between swimming and biking. Students may also bring a water bottle to help stay hydrated.

Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities for the event are still available. Financial support helps provide shirts, water, and goodie bags, along with scholarship funds for children in need who wish to participate. Generally, about a dozen volunteers are needed for the event. Individuals who would like to sponsor the event or volunteer may call Ababou at 717-626-5096, ext. 239, or email SimonAbabou@lititzrec.com.

Those wishing to participate may register by calling the rec center, visiting http://www.lititzrec.com, or stopping by the front desk. Participants will receive goodie bags and T-shirts while supplies last.