Up to 500 young athletes ages 3 to 15 will swim, bike and run through the Doylestown YMCA campus on Sunday, August 9, when River Crossing YMCA hosts its 16th Annual Kids Triathlon at 2500 Lower State Rd.

The race carries a new distinction this year. USA Triathlon selected the Doylestown event as the culminating race of its Youth State Series, a national program that promotes youth triathlons and encourages young athletes to compete at multiple events throughout the season. It is the first time the local Kids Tri has held that designation.

What the race looks like

Racers ages 6 to 15 compete on swim, bike and run courses configured by age group, using the YMCA pool, parking lots and surrounding neighborhood streets. A separate "WeeBees" course lets children ages 3 to 5 participate alongside an adult.

The event's "Compete to Complete" theme puts the emphasis on personal achievement rather than podium finishes. Maddy Moore, Central Bucks region branch executive at River Crossing YMCA and director of the 2026 Kids Tri, said in a statement published Wednesday that the triathlon gives young athletes "a celebration for preparation, goal-setting and the joy of accomplishment for their entire family."

Family activities

A "Kids Tri Village" adjacent to the course offers shaded seating, refreshments, a Bucks Bubbles Foam Party, a bounce house, and arts and crafts. The village also features information about the Y's "Y for All" inclusion initiative.

How to register

Registration closes Saturday, August 8, with a limited number of spots still available. Families can sign up at ymcarivercrossing.org/community-family/races/kids-tri.

Proceeds from the triathlon support YMCA community health and wellness programs and the organization's financial assistance fund.

The Kids Tri launched in 2008 and has grown into one of the largest youth multisport events in Bucks County. Sunday, August 9, marks the 16th edition of the race at the Doylestown branch.