Unframe Stories - Kids Du presented by Woodstock Triathlon Club

Introduction:

The morning sun cast a warm glow over Southside Park in Woodstock, creating a sense of excitement and possibility over the proceedings. The KidS Du, a youth duathlon event put on by the Woodstock Triathlon Club, was underway. I had the privilege of photographing the event, capturing the energy and enthusiasm of the young athletes as they took on the challenge.For those who may not be entirely familiar, a duathlon is a multi-sport event that consists of running, biking, and a 2nd leg of running. The KidS Du is designed for young athletes aged 3-13, with distances tailored to each age group. The youngest participants, aged 3-5, faced a 100m run, followed by a 500m bike ride, and finishing with another 100m run.

Volunteers provide support for participants at transition

Context:

Dave Jenkin, a coach and founder of KidS Du, aimed to create a community-driven event that promotes healthy active living among children. When first moving to Woodstock, he initially sought to establish a triathlon club in the community and create a swimming pool triathlon for kids. Although the latter plan was hindered by the steep hill surrounding the local pool, Jenkin and his team, including Terri Jenkin, Ian Mayberry, and Dan Major, along with club members, persevered, eventually launching the first KidS Du event in 2015.The purpose of the KidS Du is to encourage kids to get outdoors and engage in multi-sport activities. As stated by Jenkin;

"We believe in and promote the concept of healthy active living. We all wanted this event to be a challenge rather than a race"

The event's focus on participation over competition allows children to enjoy the experience without feeling pressured to perform. By providing finish times but not ranking them by age group, the KidS Du promotes a sense of accomplishment and pride for all participants.

A group of volunteers pose at one side of a sponsor banner.

Pre-race:

This year we had a team of photographers covering the event. That meant I was able to focus just on capturing the run portion of the event (sorry, no bikes here.) With my Volunteer vest adorned, I set off to capture some pre-race shots. I was struck by the sense of community that permeated the air. Parents cheered and high-fived their children as they prepared to take on the challenge. The skies had clouds which resulted in a great day for a duathlon: less stellar for me as I was stuck using a completely manual 50mm lens on my Olympus; and the Auto ISO feature was giving questionable results, but that’s just the photographer in me complaining.

A family member takes a photo of Bryah as she poses

The Race Marshal (Dave Jenkin, also WTC coach and originator of KidS Du) started herding the first group of racers, the 5 year olds. The race ahead for the 5 and under groups entailed a 100m run, a 500m bike and finish with a second 100m run.

An age group huddled around and listening to the race marshal prior to their event

I huddle on my rock.

Waiting. Waiting. Waiting

The Race:

WHHHHOOOOOOOOPPPP!!!!

The air horn signals the start of the first group, the ground was starting to vibrate with the thunderous weight of the runners and their guiding parents.

Waiting. Waiting. Waiting…

Charlotte taking her early lead around turn 1

Finally the first racer comes around the corner, all smiles with the excitement of her early lead. Behind her, the volley of youth equally eager to get to their bikes.

The next few hours were a blur of colour and motion as the various age groups took their turn.

After the 5 year olds, came the 4-year olds, then 3-year olds. Once the ultra youth athletes at KidS Du finished up, the older age groups began their journeys to the start-line. Now that it was later in the morning, the geese and ducks started wandering in to check out the ‘disturbance.’ The older groups runs were going further and further out, capping with a 2km-run, 7km-bike, 2km-run at the oldest group. As the groups got older I noticed something that really gives me hope about the people of our future. I noticed more and more support for the other participants. Kids cheering each other on, help people tie their shoes and helping them up if they tripped. They realized that they were all in the same challenge together and that making sure everyone gets to the end is as important as racing their best.

Jack loses a shoe mid-stride, Clayton looks back

Reflection and conclusion:

As the final participants crossed the finish line and the event drew to a close, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the experience. Volunteering for local events is extremely important. I sometimes forget that their is a community out there and helping at these types of events brings me back to why I am I a photographer in the first place; to document and connect with a world I am fortunate to be in.You see, volunteering is not just about lending a hand or getting in hours. It’s about being part of a community that comes together to celebrate, to support, and to up-lift one another. It’s about accepting that we are all in this together, and that every single person has a role to play in making the world a better place. And with that, I urge you all to get out and just volunteer once this month, get involved, get engaged and be an awesome person doing awesome things.

Dave Jenkin making a joke gets a positive response from his audience

If you wish to learn more about the Woodstock Triathlon Club and what they do, you can check them out at the following links:

Website: https://woodstocktriathlonclub.ca/

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