Marshfield summer school holds annual kids triathlon

For the third year, students in Marshfield’s summer school competed in the ultimate endurance race with a triathlon held on Wednesday, June 28 at the Marshfield City Pool.

Marshfield’s triathletes are a product of a new class offered at summer school which teaches kids how to compete in all three competitions to get kids active and interested in several different ways.

A triathlon is a multi-sport race consisting of swimming, cycling, and running. Triathletes started off with swimming before moving on to cycling. The final leg of the race was a foot race held on N. Elm with the fastest combined time for all events taking home the bragging rights. 

"I feel this class will be going on for years to come,” said Coach James McAnarney, who led the charge in organizing the class and event.

Though the class is relatively new, the Marshfield community has been quick to show support with the Marshfield City Pool hosting the event and the city blocking off roads to ensure the safety of runners and cyclers alike. Several local teachers, coaches, and high school students volunteered to help ensure the kids were well trained, looked after, and that the event ran smoothly. Rob Wolfe acted as the timekeeper for the event.

“This year was the fastest that we completed the whole group. We would like to thank all the volunteers and the athletes from the high school that helped,” said McAnarney, “The support and encouragement shown towards our students over the past three years has been extraordinary. We are extremely proud of our athletes."

Students competed within their grade, with one winner from fourth, fifth, and sixth grade taking the bus home in victory. The winner for sixth grade was David Marshall with a total time of 21 minutes and 9 seconds. The fifth-grade champion was Nic Coyle. Everett Marshall won the fourth-grade competition.

The young Bluejays were tired after such an event, but they were all smiles afterward. The following morning, they were all awarded with a free day at the Marshfield City Pool. 

“I would also like to thank Coach Nunn and the swim team for making our kids better swimmers,” said McAnarney, “and spending time with students in a very cold pool.”