After organizing Algoma’s first sanctioned triathlon since 2016 last JulyRAM Fitness and Cycling owner Ryan Mitchell will be holding the second annual Copper Town Triathlon with a ‘Kids of Steel’ component along with adult races Sunday, July 21.

Participants will meet at the Bruce Mines Marina at 8 a.m. but people will be at that location all day.

Desiring to get young children physically active, organizers say The Kids of Steel races encompass three different categories: kids 3-5 years will do a 15m swim or splash, a 750m bike (or tricycle), and a 250m run; kids 6-8 years can try a 25m swim, 1.5km bike, and 500m run, while kids 9-11 years can challenge themselves with a 75m swim, 5km bike and 1km run.

Adult races include the Sprint Triathlon (750m swim/20km bike / 5km run), the Try-A-Tri (300m swim/ 10km bike/ 2.5km run), and the Sprint Duathlon (5km run/ 20km bike/ 2.5km run).

Athletes of any age can participate as a team of two and split the events however they like.

Participants will be coming from as far as Wawa and Sudbury to race.

Proceeds will be donated to a local Bruce Mines Food Bank and the Youth Multisport Program via RAM Fitness, which helps underserved youth access sports equipment.

Winners earn medals and a place on the podium and all participants receive a complimentary T-shirt.

The full text of a news release follows:

Little legs will be coming in for the big race!

It’s never too early to encourage a healthy lifestyle in kids – and that’s exactly what Ryan Mitchell hopes to achieve. After the incredible success of last year’s Copper Town Triathlon in Bruce Mines, Mitchell is reinventing this years 2024 “tri” with a new category: the Kids of Steel races. Yes, even your 3-year-old can splash, pedal, and run past the finish line.

“This is an opportunity for fitness-focused parents to get their kids to join in on the action,” said Mitchell, owner of Sault Ste. Marie’s RAM Fitness and founder of the Copper Town Triathlon. “We want to welcome all ages and abilities. But the earlier you can get started on your fitness journey, the better.” Mitchell says the inspiration for the Kids of Steel race developed in part because of wanting his own family to take part: “There’s a place for everyone here – parents who race and kids who want to give it a shot too.”

The Kids of Steel races encompass three different categories: kids 3-5 years will do a 15m swim or splash, a 750m bike (or tricycle), and a 250m run; kids 6-8 years can try a 25m swim, 1.5km bike, and 500m run, while kids 9-11 years can challenge themselves with a 75m swim, 5km bike and 1km run.

Of course, this is in addition to the adult races which include the Sprint Triathlon (750m swim/20km bike / 5km run), the Try-A-Tri (300m swim/ 10km bike/ 2.5km run), and the Sprint Duathlon (5km run/ 20km bike/ 2.5km run).

Not ready to complete a triathlon on your own? Athletes of any age can participate as a team of two and split the events how they like.

With participants coming as far as Wawa and Sudbury to race, the Copper Town Triathlon unites the Algoma region with its second-ever triathlon. Just a 45-minute drive from the Soo, the race begins with a swim in the gorgeous waters of Bruce Bay along the shores of Lake Huron and continues down the tree-lined Copper Bay Road. “We got a ton of positive feedback about the race from participants,” says Mitchell. “The bike course is looped in a unique way so you are passing other racers, giving more of a race-like feel.”

Never done a triathlon? Mitchell created the Try-a-Tri for beginners to face their fears with a highly do-able course.

The Copper Town Triathlon is still looking for sponsors, so local businesses are encouraged to become a Copper, Gold or Silver Sponsor.

A portion of proceeds will be donated to a local Bruce Mines’ Food Bank and the Youth Multisport Program via RAM Fitness, which helps underserved youth access sports equipment.

Winners earn medals and a place on the podium, but all participants receive a complimentary t-shirt. So come for the swag, stay for the fun!

For more information contact RAM Fitness marketing coordinator Jenny Febbraro by email.