Schoolchildren are invited to participate in a duathlon during the MS Amlin World Triathlon Bermuda Festival Weekend next month.

The TMR Kids Duathlon is scheduled for the Friday, April 27 with local youngsters competing on part of the same racecourse as the world’s top triathletes, including world champion Flora Duffy, who will compete the following day.

The children will get the chance to experience a blue carpet finish on Front Street.

Bermuda is hosting the ITU World Triathlon Series on what will be the second stop on the global circuit out of eight cities, before the grand final is held on the Gold Coast, Australia. A weekend of festivities is planned in Bermuda from April 26 to 29.

“The TMR Kids Duathlon is an important part of the weekend of festivities,” said Phil Schmidt, chairman of the local organising committee of World Triathlon Bermuda.

“It’s by participating, especially in this environment with world-class athletes, that young people become inspired to develop their athletic skills. Flora Duffy, at the age of nine, set her mind to become the world champion and achieved it.”

The TMR Kids Duathlon is open to all children including first time participants, aged 7 to 15 years. The duathlon starts at 7pm and will involve a run, bike and a second run. Unlike a triathlon, there is no swimming event.

“It was agreed the race would be a duathlon so that the junior athletes would not be required to swim at night,” said the organisers. “

This also encourages more children to participate, as running and cycling in Bermuda is more popular than swimming.”

Children will race in age groups, with a shorter distance for seven to ten year olds.

Race registration is free and is now open at www.tribermuda.com.