Youngsters start running during a Stride, Ride and Slide event at Logan Park, Dunedin, yesterday. Children aged 2 to 6 ran, rode and slid their way through a short multistage course as their first introduction to triathlon.
The energetic youngsters ran 50m, rode bicycles or trikes 150m and finished by zooming across a waterslide, provided by Fire Service firefighters from Dunedin. Event organiser Kerri Maclennan said about 300 youngsters took part this year, well up on the about 180 at last year’s event.
The fun family event sought to encourage youngsters to enjoy physical activity and to develop the "fundamental movement skills" used in riding and running. The events ran from 10am to 12.30pm, and proved "very positive".
"The smiles on the kids’ faces" was a highlight for her, she said.
Several organisations from the early childhood sector also offered a range of activities and entertainment for both children and parents to enjoy. Families were encouraged to bring along a picnic and to make a day of it.
