Maple Grove, MN – 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 Splash & Dash on Friday, August 19, and the BreakAway Kids Tri on Saturday, August 20, at Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove. Both events are presented by Twin Cities Orthopedics.

The pandemic has elevated the importance of outdoor adventure. The BreakAway events are a fun, engaging way for kids and families to have a personal best experience that builds confidence and a love of movement in nature.

At Friday’s BreakAway Splash & Dash, racers will participate in a 100-yard shallow swim and run a mile on a course filled with fun obstacles, including running through a cloud of bubbles and sliding down a giant slip-n-slide. This event, a perfect introduction to racing, is for kids ages 4-8 and adult race buddies. Many parents and even grandparents enjoy participating with their kids/grandkids.

At Saturday’s BreakAway Tri, the kids participate in a 100-yard shallow swim, 5 mile of bike ride inside the beautiful park trails, and a mile of running with fun obstacles.

Both events conclude with a victory at the fan-favorite finish line. All participants get a cool race shirt and custom medal.

Pediatricians around the Twin Cities prescribe the BreakAway events to kids as a way to have them set a goal and be active outdoors. "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 these events and families are energized to be healthier together.”

The BreakAway events – and all other Y adventure races – are hosted in Three Rivers Park District spaces. The Y and the Three Rivers Park District share a mission to bring new populations into nature-based experiences.

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

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

WHAT:
BreakAway Splash & Dash and and BreakAway Kids Tri, presented by Twin Cities Orthopedics

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

WHEN:
BreakAway Splash & Dash on Friday, August 19 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
BreakAway Kids Tri on Saturday, August 20 8:00 - 11:00 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 166 years ago, the Ys provide life-strengthening services across the greater Twin Cities metro region, southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin communities. The 29 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.ymcanorth.org.