On your mark, get set ...

On June 26, Bedford will be hosting the 12th Annual Kids of Steel Triathlon. Some of their best young athletes will be there competing in the multi-endurance sport consisting of swimming, cycling, and running in succession over various distances. Certainly not a sport designed for a couch potato.

In these days of tweeting, texting and fast food, many people will be pleasantly surprised to see how many youth and children are taking part in an event that requires so much physical activity. Two of those young residents are eager to get out there to push themselves all in the name of sport and fun.

Ten-year-old Lauren Liem is considered to be an old pro when it comes to the triathlon. She's been participating since she was five years old and although her age group is non-competitive, she still takes it seriously.

"I like to race," said Liem, a student at Basinview Elementary school in Bedford. "And I love to win."

Kali Caulier, 15, has also been racing a long time in various competitions around the area, as well as outside the province. She also likes to win, and she does, but each time she races she is also challenging herself, constantly working at beating her personal best. Like her family, also triathlon athletes, she is committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

"It's such a big part of my life," said Caulier, also from Bedford and a student at Bedford Junior High. "Even if I was injured I'd find a way to keep fit, there should be no age limit to do that."

Both girls will be competing this year in the Kids of Steel Triathlon along with many other youth and children from all around HRM.

Kids of Steel Triathlon is designed to offer kids the opportunity to experience the sport of triathlon in a positive environment. The distances are much shorter than those in adult triathlons, and change as participants mature, and are such that most kids should be fit enough to finish the race successfully and have fun at the same time.

The event will be held at the Lion's Club Pool and Shore Drive in Bedford.

In order to participate in the triathlon you must be able to swim in deep water, your bike must be in good working order, helmets must be worn and torso must be covered on bike and run.

Registration fee for a timed event is $20 in advance, or $25 on race day. Not-timed event is $25 in advance, or $20 on race day.

For more information about the Kids of Steel Triathlon call Darleen Caulier at 832-0364, or email caulier@ns.sympatico.ca