Pink Flamingo Youth Triathlon

We embrace inclusivity within our community, welcoming individuals of all abilities!

What is a Triathlon? A triathlon is a continuous activity that starts with swimming, followed by a bike ride and a run. The swimming portion will be conducted in a 25-meter lap swimming pool. The bike and run will be outside. Our goal is to provide this fun physical activity for kids up to 15 years of age. Each participant will receive a T-shirt and a finisher’s gift. Awards will be given to the top three participants in each age group and the top three relay teams.

Fees:

• Individual Fees: $35 per participant
• Relay Team Fees: $65 per relay team

Contact Information:

• Mike Gallagher, Co-Triathlon Director - 216.236.6035 | mgallagher@sevenhillsohio.org
• Leigh Owen, Co-Triathlon Director – 216.524.6262 ext. 404 | lowen@sevenhillsohio.org
  

Important Times:

• 7:30 to 8:30 am - Mandatory check-in, swag and bib pickup, gear from the Cleveland Tri Club, a cookie ticket at C & J Best Bakes, Raising Cane’s meal voucher, and other info at the rec center.
• 7:30 am - C & J Best Bakes will be open for business. To learn more, go to cjbestbakes.com.
• 8:00 am – Volunteers meet at the recreation center.
• 8:00 am to 8:45 am – Swimming warmup.
• 8:50 am – Arrive at the clerk of course in the classroom off the pool deck.
• 9:10 am – Welcome Message/Star Spangled Banner located in the pool area.
• 9:15 am – The first heat will start.
• TBD – An awards ceremony will be at the Summitview pavilion 15 to 30 minutes after all the participants have finished.

Water and Nutrition Stations:

• Pre-event and post fueling stations will be available which will contain water jugs to fill water bottles and light snacks.
• Through the course, there will be water stations by the swim to bike transition and in the Hillside parking lot area for the run portion of the race.
• There will be NO water stations during the swim or bike portions of the race.

Race Distances:

• The bike and running distances are approximate.
• Guardians 18 and over can ride and/or run along with the 10 and under participants only.
• Participants must always have the right of way.
• See the map for more details.
  • Individual Age Group Distances (The run and bike are approximate distances):
    • 11 to 15 years old: 225-meter swim (9 lengths), 1 Mile Bike, Half Mile Run
    • 10 & under: 125-meter swim (5 lengths), 1 Mile Bike, and Half Mile Run
  • Relay Team Distances: 225-meter swim (9 lengths), 1 Mile Bike, and Half Mile Run

Course Map: See course map below.

Volunteers Needed: Over 30 volunteers needed for timers, bike/run path safety, helping with the bike transitions, awards at the finish line, etc. To volunteer, go to
https://forms.gle/cEMX1auCbCryvpDG7. 

Swimming Warmup:

• Feet first entry only.
• All swimmers must circle swim if there are two or more swimmers in a lane.
• Follow all posted pool rules and policies please.
• Clerk of Course: In this area we organize the participants to make sure that they swim in the proper lanes/heats.
  

What To Bring:

• Bike with a kick stand and sized right for the participant.
• Swimsuit and Goggles. Swim caps are optional.
• T-shirt, bike helmet, running shoes, and towel (These items should be in front of your bike at the bike transition by the pool).

Spectators: Cheering from the side of the pool or the side of the run and bike paths is allowed.

Timing:

• Time starts with the swimming portion of the race and ends when the participant crosses the finish line of the run.
• We will not be providing transition times.
• NOTE: We ask each participant to have a parent/guardian start the watch at the start of
  the swimming portion only. There will be someone else that will get the participant’s final time. Guidance will on how to start a stopwatch will be available.

Heat Seeding:

• Will be determined by the time provided for the 100/200-meter swims from fastest to slowest.
• 4 to 8 participants in each heat.
• On or before August 1st, complete heat times will post at sevenhillsohio.org/triathlon.
  

Bike and Run Transition Preparation:

• Each participant must have the following setup by your bike before the race begins:
  • Helmet (Required for the entire ride)
  • Towel
  • Shoes
  • A T-shirt with the Bib Number Pinned on the chest area.
  • Water, sports drink, or a snack (Optional).
• For Relay Participants, complete the following ahead of time:
  • For the swimmer and biker, the assigned bib number must be on their right arm.
  • For the runner, they must have their shirt on with the bib number on the chest area.
    

Relay Transitions:

• Swim to Bike Transition:
  • The swimmer and biker will “High Five” outside of the pool door.
  • The bike rider proceeds to the bike, walks the bike to the start line of the cycling portion.
  • There they may mount their bike and begin the ride.
• Bike to Run Transition:
  • The bike rider will dismount at the run transition area.
  • Volunteers will take your bike and place it in the grassy area behind Hillside Middle School.
  • The bike rider proceeds to the start line of the run portion, where they will “High Five” their
    relay team member to begin the run.

Results:

• Live Results will be available through the meet mobile app.
• Posted after the race at sevenhillsohio.org/triathlon.
• Awards Ceremony/Recognition: After the competition is complete, the following will receive
  awards/recognition:
  • The top three individuals in each age group will receive awards after the competition is complete. The age groups are as follows: 8 & under; 9-10; 11-12; and 13-15.
  • The top three relay teams will receive awards.
  • The overall top scoring team will receive recognition.

Swimming Safety Guidelines:

• Follow all posted rules and policies.
• Feet first entry always.
• Swim caps and goggles are optional.
• -Walk on the pool deck.
• No glass containers.

Bicycle Safety Guidelines:

• You must provide your own bike.
• No motorized or electric bikes allowed.
• Shirt required.
• Race bibs should be visible on the chest area.
• Shoes required.
• The bicycle must be the correct size for the participant.
• Kick stand required.
• A bike helmet required.
• Flat pedals only. Clip in pedals not allowed.
• Pedal cages allowed.
• Stay on the right side of the path.
• Water bottles are optional. No glass containers please.
• If you need to pass a participant say, “PASSING ON YOUR LEFT” and then pass.
• No drafting allowed.
• Move off the path and to the right if you need to stop.
  

Running Safety Guidelines:

• Shirt required.
• Race bibs should be visible on the chest area.
• Shoes required.
• Water bottles are optional. No glass containers please.
• If you need to pass a participant say, “PASSING ON YOUR LEFT” and then pass safely.
• Move off the path and to the right if you need to stop.

First Aid Stations: First aid stations will be available throughout the course.

Road Entrance and Parking:

• Parking will be available off Summitview Drive from Hillside Road.
• Please note the following road closures: Civic Drive, Summitview Drive, and Educational Park Drives.

Weather Emergency/Shelter/Alert System:

• In the event of inclement weather, there may be a delay in the start time.
• Weather cancellation will be determined through forecast review.
• Emergency shelters are at the city hall building and the recreation center (See Race Map).
• Multiple whistle blasts, air horn blasts, an announcement are signals you should proceed to your nearest shelter immediately.

The Pink Flamingo Youth Triathlon brings an exciting race distance to Seven Hills, Ohio on August 2, 2026. Don't miss this beautiful event!