Maple Grove, MN – CycleHealth, an initiative of the YMCA of the North which is a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will host its annual BreakAway Kids Tri on Saturday, August 17, and the new BreakAway Splash and & Dash on Friday, August 16, at Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove. 

For the first time, kids have a shorter life expectancy than their parents due to factors such as a sedentary lifestyle and declining participation in organized sports. Local pediatricians in more than 50 clinics are collaborating with CycleHealth to change this trend by prescribing fun, unique activities, including the BreakAway Kids Tri and BreakAway Splash & Dash. At Saturday’s BreakAway Tri, two course distances are offered so kids of all abilities can swim, bike and run to the finish line. Both course options feature fun obstacles, including a bubble machine and a giant slip and slide, along the way. At Friday’s BreakAway Splash & Dash, racers will swim 100 yards and run a mile on a course filled with fun obstacles.

"It's great to prescribe something fun and healthy rather than medication when working with youth on their wellbeing,” said Dr. Tracy Hall of South Lake Pediatrics. “Kids love CycleHealth events and families are energized to be healthier together.”

“The YMCA and CycleHealth are proud to work with community partners to provide unique wellness opportunities for kids,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the Y. “When we empower young people to develop healthy habits early, we set them up for future success.”

WHO:
YMCA of the North CycleHealth and the Three River Parks District
350 racers at the BreakAway Splash & Dash and 800 racers at the BreakAway Kids Tri

WHAT:
BreakAway Kids Tri and BreakAway Splash & Dash by CycleHealth

WHERE:
Elm Creek Park Reserve at 12400 James Deane Parkway in Maple Grove, MN 55369

WHEN:
BreakAway Splash & Dash on Friday, August 16 from 6:30 - 8 p.m.
BreakAway Kids Tri on Saturday, August 17 from 7:00 - 11:30 a.m. (Racing begins at 9:00 a.m. and finishes around 10:45 a.m.)

About the YMCA of the North

The YMCA of the North is a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Established 163 years ago, the Ys provide life-strengthening services across 12 counties of the greater Twin Cities metro region, southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin communities. The 28 Y locations and program sites, eight overnight camps, 10 day camps, and more than 90 child care sites engage more than 370,000 men, women and children of all ages, incomes and backgrounds. To learn more about the Y’s mission and work, visit www.ymcamn.org.