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Lightning Warriors

Lightning Warriors team pose at the finish line after competing in the 5th Annual Mini Maniac Youth Triathlon at Smith Point Beach on Sunday, September 15.

On September 15, Lightning Warriors hosted the 5th Annual Mini Maniac Youth Triathlon — the largest youth triathlon on the East Coast — which was held at Smith Point Beach in Shirley. The event attracted 181 participants between the ages of 5 and 17, including 56 first-time triathletes.

The Mini Maniac Youth Triathlon aims to promote healthy physical activity and build lifelong skills in swimming, biking, and running for youth athletes. This year’s race featured triathletes competing in different age groups, with distances tailored to each category. Younger athletes also had the opportunity to participate in the Splash & Dash, a 50-meter swim and a quarter-mile run for kids between 5 and 7 years old.

“We were thrilled to see so many young athletes take part in the event, especially those trying a triathlon for the first time,” said Noah Lam, head coach of the Lightning Warriors. “The smiles at the finish line are what this is all about, and we’re proud to help kids build confidence through sport.”

Participants received medals for their efforts, as well as favor bags and refreshments.

For more information, visit www.lightningwarriors.org.

Lightning Warriors Facebook

Lightning Warriors, a not-for-profit youth triathlon team, will be hosting its 5th annual Mini Maniac Youth Triathlon on Sunday, September 15 at 6:30 a.m. at Smith Point Beach in Shirley.

This year’s Mini Maniac event will be geared toward triathletes of all levels between the ages of 7 and 17. While all racers will be participating in a youth triathlon, races will be divided into three separate age groups with swimming, biking and running distances varying accordingly. Younger athletes are also encouraged to register to participate in the Splash & Dash event, which is a 50-meter swim and a quarter-mile run for athletes between the ages of 5 and 7.

“I am excited to see the smiles and accomplishments as each athlete crosses the finish line and for those first-timers being called a triathlete,” says Lightning Warriors Head Coach Noah Lam.

Favor bags will also be distributed to each racer, as well as medals for all finishers, awards for the top male and female finishers and post-race refreshments.

Participating in youth triathlons helps build positive physical activity habits in children. According to Lam, “Every child should be able to swim, bike and run as those are lifetime skills… We’ve also seen that physical activity can provide immense benefits for mental health, more self-esteem, a sharper focus on achieving goals and a better ability to connect with other kids.”

Athletes’ individual skills will also be enhanced by being a part of a team in a healthy competitive and supportive space. “You get to find new ways to overcome adversity in a safe environment,” Lam states. “These skills will thus motivate them to exude confidence and conquer their goals, both inside and outside of racing.”

The Mini Maniac event is the largest sanctioned kids triathlon on Long Island with 168 participants in 2023, and an expected attendance of 200 racers this year, including 100 first-time registrants. To register for Mini Maniac, visit www.runsignup.com/minimaniac. Registration ends on September 14, 2024 at 1 p.m.  EDT.

About Lightning Warriors

Lightning Warriors is a Long Island-based not-for-profit triathlon team focused on making the sport of triathlon available to all young athletes. Lightning Warriors’ goal is to unlock each member’s potential as athletes and as leaders, encouraging athletes to excel in all levels of life. For more information, visit www.lightningwarriors.org.