Kids swim, bike, run in the sun

and a whole bunch of sponsors.

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The ATB Financial Lloydminster Triathlon is at the point where it almost runs itself.

This year’s swim, bike and run event at Bud Miller All Seasons Park went off in near auto mode last Friday, despite more than 800 kids from all Lloydminster schools taking part.

“Every year, we dust off the cobwebs and put it together,” said Cindy Rekimowich, manager of programs and events with the City of Lloydminster, just minutes before race orientation.

One of the secret event ingredients, according to Rekimowich, is the event partnerships listing Lakeland College, both school divisions, the City of Lloydminster

Another factor is having the same 10-member organizing committee since day one.

“We’ve been doing this for a number of years and the same people just keep coming out and we get more volunteers every year,” said Rekimowich with the sun shining.

“It’s going to be a great day.”

Jim Taylor, owner of Grindin Gears Bikes n’ Boards, found himself with far fewer bikes to tweak this year thanks to the well-oiled organizing machine.

“The triathlon committee did a good job in getting the work out there so it’s a much more organized year as far as bike repair went,” said Taylor.

As for the weather, he said, “You can’t beat the day when you get sunshine.”

The sunny skies also made race director, Sheldon Gallagher, feel amazing and stoked for the kids.

“The weather is cooperating and we have so many volunteers here this morning. This has gone so smoothly, probably the smoothest one ever. We are ready to rock,” he said.

“The kids are so excited, they’re nervous, but that’s good nervous.”

That was the case for Oscar, the youngest of three sons of Mackenzie Brown, who seemed dialled in on the task ahead and left questions to his dad.