The Sportsplex Tri for Kids began in 2013 as a vision of Nicole Carter, Sarah Herren, and Kimberly Myers to create a fun, positive introduction to triathlon for young athletes. The first event featured the Kids Triathlon for ages 5–15, along with the Small Fry Tri for ages 2–5.

From the beginning, the event has been about more than racing. It’s about encouraging kids to be active, challenging themselves, trying something new, and experiencing the excitement of crossing the finish line.

The event quickly became a community favorite and was honored with the 2013 Innovative Program and Special Event of the Year Award from the Alabama Recreation and Parks Association.

After more than a decade of growth under Nicole Carter’s leadership, the event entered a new chapter in 2025. With Nicole’s support and encouragement, Laurie Clark, Meghan Deagan, Caitlin Fitzsimons, Olivia Holden, Molli Newman, and Whitney Shelton stepped in to carry the tradition forward.

Today, Laurie Clark, Meghan Deagan, Olivia Holden, Caitlin Fitzsimons, and Molli Newman continue that tradition, building on the foundation created in 2013 while looking for new ways to make the event even better for young athletes and their families.

The Sportsplex Tri for Kids is now part of the USAT Youth Series in the Alabama/North Florida region, bringing young athletes together from across the Southeast. The event continues to grow each year, and in 2026, the Sportsplex Tri for Kids reached an exciting milestone—it sold out for the first time.

That growth is a reflection of the incredible support from our athletes, families, volunteers, sponsors, and community. What started as a local kids’ triathlon has grown into an event attracting young athletes and families from six states across the Southeast and beyond, while still maintaining the welcoming, community-focused spirit that has been part of the race from the beginning.

Our Mission

Our goal is simple: to give kids a fun, supportive, and memorable triathlon experience while encouraging them to be active, challenge themselves, and celebrate what they can accomplish.

Whether a child is an experienced athlete or stepping into a triathlon for the very first time, we want every participant to feel proud when they cross the finish line.

We are proud of where the Sportsplex Tri for Kids has been—and even more excited about where it is going.

Questions, comments, or suggestions? We’d love to hear from you at sportsplextriforkids@gmail.com.