Bellingham Parks and Recreation is inviting kids ages 5 to 13 to participate in the 2026 Bellingham Youth Triathlon on Sunday, July 26 at the Arne Hanna Aquatic Center. The noncompetitive event lets young athletes tackle all three disciplines of a triathlon on their own terms, with individual and relay options available. Registration is open now.
The Bellingham Youth Triathlon is organized by the City of Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department, which runs year-round programs out of several facilities across the city. The event is specifically designed to be accessible and pressure-free: there are no timed placements, no competitive rankings, and a supportive atmosphere is the stated priority. The goal is to give kids a real triathlon experience without the stress of head-to-head competition. Participants can enter as individuals or form a two- or three-person relay team, dividing the swim, bike, and run legs among teammates.
The swim leg takes place in the 25-yard Arne Hanna Aquatic Center pool at 1114 Potter Street in Bellingham. Participants start in waves of up to eight swimmers every ten seconds and complete their distance with circle swimming. The aquatic center is one of Bellingham's primary public swimming facilities and hosts competitive swim meets throughout the year, so kids competing in the triathlon will be using the same pool lanes as more seasoned athletes.
After the swim, participants transition to the bike leg. Distances vary by age group, which means the youngest competitors are not expected to cover the same ground as older kids. The run closes out the race, and the event is organized so that each age group faces an appropriate challenge. First-timers are common and welcome, and staff and volunteers are on hand throughout the course.
The relay option is one of the event's most appealing features for families with kids at different fitness levels or who might not be ready to complete all three legs solo. A parent or sibling could theoretically form a relay team with a young child, making this a family participation event as much as a youth athletic event. All ages 5 through 13 are eligible, and relay participants can mix within that range.
To register or get details on distances, wave start times, and what to bring, visit the event listing at bellingham.org or go directly to the City of Bellingham Parks and Recreation registration page. Questions can be directed to the department at 360-778-7000 or parks.@cob.org.
For more summer activities coming up in Whatcom County, check out the Visit Bellingham photo contest with prizes including Bellingham Bells tickets and Ghost Tour passes.
