COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — USA Triathlon today announced that its Splash & Dash Youth Aquathlon Series is set to return, with more than 30 swim-run events currently planned in cities across the United States this season. Additional events will be added to the calendar as the season progresses.

The series, launched in 2012 with 30 events, is designed to introduce youth athletes between the ages of 7 and 15 to the multisport lifestyle through the unique discipline of aquathlon. With a focus on participation and fun, rather than competition, many of the events are not timed.

The Splash & Dash series is structured to align with the American Development Model (ADM), a concerted effort between the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and its sport National Governing Bodies to apply long-term athlete development principles in a way that resonates with the culture of sport in the United States.

The ADM aims to create early positive experiences for youth athletes across all sports by promoting sustained sport participation. Emphasis is placed on developmentally appropriate activities, including foundational skill development, coordination, and motor control. The ADM also supports universal access and opportunity for all athletes; encourages multi-sport participation versus early specialization; and promotes the establishment of a fun, challenging and engaging atmosphere through quality coaching at all levels.

At all Splash & Dash events, participants ages 7-10 will complete a 100-meter pool swim and an approximate 1-kilometer run, while athletes ages 11-15 will complete a 200m pool swim and an approximate 2k run. All participants will receive a custom finishers’ medal and giveaways from various USA Triathlon corporate partners.

“The Splash & Dash Series is an ideal introduction to multisport for young athletes, with its non-competitive atmosphere, approachable race distances and minimal gear and equipment requirements,” said Brian D’Amico, Director of Events at USA Triathlon. “We know kids across the country are eager to get back to these fun-filled events and we are grateful to our race directors for their commitment to hosting exceptional and safe events.”

All races will be held with COVID-19 safety measures in place following the guidelines of USA Triathlon’s Safe Return Multisport initiative, including face coverings worn at all times except when actively racing contact reduction for athletes, participants, families, staff and volunteers; and increased cleaning and disinfecting practice onsite.

The Splash & Dash series saw its third straight year of record participation in 2019, with 2,532 youth athletes competing in 50 events nationwide. USA Triathlon is still accepting applications to host 2021 Splash & Dash Series events. Race directors may apply at this link and are encouraged to contact tanner.martin@usatriathlon.org with any questions.

Visit usatriathlon.org/splashanddash for the latest event calendar and complete information on the series. The series calendar and locations are subject to change.

2021 Splash & Dash Youth Aquathlon Series Calendar (as of April 30):

TBD — Mighty Mitten Splash & Dash (Holland, Mich.)
May 8 — Lonestar Splash & Dash at Typhoon Texas (Katy, Texas)
May 16 — Paragon Splash & Dash #1 (San Antonio, Texas)
May 29 — E3 Endurance 7.03 Junior Triathlon Series (Greensboro, N.C.)
June 5 — Kids Peachy Splash & Dash at the Palisade Pool (Palisade, Colo.)
June 6 — Laguna Madre Gator Chase Splash & Dash Kids Aquathlon (Port Isabel, Texas)
June 6 — Kids Splash & Dash at North Fork Pool (Hotchkiss, Colo.)
June 6 — Reston Superhero Splash & Dash (Reston, Va.)
June 12 — The Woodlands Splash & Dash (The Woodlands, Texas)
June 13 — Montclair Triathlon (Montclair, Va.)
June 13 — Paragon Splash & Dash #2 (San Antonio, Texas)
June 19 — Randolph Splash & Dash (Richmond, Va.)
June 20 — Playtri Youth and Junior Splash & Dash Race #1 (McKinney, Texas)
June 29 — Alaska Splash & Dash Race #1 (Anchorage, Alaska)
July 10 — Warroad Tri Series (Warroad, Minn.)
July 11 — Paragon Splash & Dash #3 (San Antonio, Texas)
July 13 — Alaska Splash & Dash Race #2 (Anchorage, Alaska)
July 17 — Avalon Splash & Dash (Henrico, Va.)
July 18 — Playtri Youth and Junior Splash & Dash Race #2 (McKinney, Texas)
July 27 — Alaska Splash & Dash Race #3 (Anchorage, Alaska)
Aug. 4 — BAM Junior Splash & Dash (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Aug. 7 — REV3 New England (Webster, Mass.)
Aug. 15 — San Diego Kids Splash & Dash (San Diego, Calif.)
Aug. 15 — Paragon Splash & Dash #4 (San Antonio, Texas)
Aug. 20 — Maple Grove Triathlon (Maple Grove, Minn.)
Aug. 28 — Splash & Dash (Houston, Texas)
Aug. 28 — Columbia Threadneedle Investments Boston Triathlon (Boston, Mass.)
Aug. 28 — Sun City Splash & Dash (El Paso, Texas)
Sept. 12 — Westfields Triathlon (Chantilly, Va.)
Oct. 11 — Alpha Win (Saugerties, N.Y.)
Oct. 16 — KIDS! Fall Splash & Dash (Dallas, Texas)

About USA Triathlon
USA Triathlon is proud to serve as the National Governing Body for triathlon, as well as duathlon, aquathlon, aquabike, winter triathlon, off-road triathlon, paratriathlon, and indoor and virtual multisport events in the United States. Founded in 1982, USA Triathlon sanctions more than 4,000 events and connects with more than 400,000 members each year, making it the largest multisport organization in the world. In addition to its work at the grassroots level with athletes, coaches, and race directors — as well as the USA Triathlon Foundation — USA Triathlon provides leadership and support to elite athletes competing at international events, including World Triathlon Championships, Pan American Games and the Olympic and Paralympic Games. USA Triathlon is a proud member of World Triathlon and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC).

USA Triathlon Announces 2021 Splash & Dash Youth Aquathlon Series Calendar

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