Article by Elena Ferrarin
Communications Coordinator
Northbrook Park District
Last year, twins Julian and Oliver Johnson learned to ride bikes without training wheels at age 5, just in time for the Northbrook Park District’s Kids’ Duathlon.
The race was a great experience for the whole family, their father Erik said.
“They were so excited by the concept of riding a bike and running,” he said. “I told them, ‘If you’re going to do this, you have to get the training wheels off.’ It was a huge accomplishment for them to get on their bikes and do it. They loved it.” Now 6 years old, the twins will again participate in the Kids’ Duathlon on Friday, July 24 with biking at the Ed Rudolph Velodrome and running in adjacent Meadowhill Park in Northbrook.
The event is open to ages 5 to 14. Children ages 5-7 bike two laps (¼ mile per lap) at the Velodrome and run ¼ mile; children ages 8-10 bike two laps of the Velodrome and run ½ mile; and children ages 11-15 bike three laps of the Velodrome and run one mile. Afterwards, participants can enjoy pizza, drinks, dessert and swimming at Meadowhill Aquatic Center.
“This is such a fun event,” Recreation Supervisor Isaac Urow. “It’s a great way to showcase the unique Velodrome and introduce kids to the sport of cycling. Watching the kids ride around the track while the entire crowd cheers them on creates a truly memorable and heartwarming experience.”
This will be 9-year-old Warren Rubeck’s third year participating in the race, and he’s loved every minute of it, his mother Hilary said.
“What I appreciate most is that the event introduces kids to fitness at a young age, helping them build confidence, step outside their comfort zone, and realize they’re capable of accomplishing new things. My hope is that experiences like this spark a lifelong interest in staying active.”
The race welcomes participants of all levels, whether they are used to racing or are first-timers.
At the starting line last year, the twins got a bit of assistance since they had just graduated from training wheels, with their father holding one of their bikes and a staff member holding the other.
“Everyone was extremely accommodating,” Erik Johnson. “They had big smiles on their faces while they were going around the track.”
Ten-year-old Sophia Tepper said she’s also looking forward to her second Kids’ Duathlon, which this year will also include her younger sister, Maddy, 8.
“I like biking, but I don’t really like running. I still did it. A lot of kids were faster than me, but I had a girl next to me who wasn’t really into running, so we kind of talked and jogged together,” she said. “It was really fun.”
Sophia’s mother said she appreciates the race’s supportive vibe.
“It’s very positive and fun environment with everybody cheering everyone on,” she said. “It’s not really about win or lose, it’s just focused on finishing — which we like. You want everyone to finish the race.”
The Kids’ Duathlon registration deadline is 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22. To register or for more information, visit nbparks.org/event/kidsduathlon. Spectators are welcome to come cheer on the racers.