Healthy Kids
Our PTA’s Healthy Kids Committee continues to encourage movement and a healthy lifestyle for our students. They share tips and optional activities in support of mental and physical wellness, help support red ribbon week, participate in the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge for OFE, and organize a large group of OFE students to participate in the largest kids triathlon in the world.
We are excited to announce that registration is now open for the 2025 Houston Kids Triathlon held on April 12th & 13th at Typhoon Texas Waterpark!
Team OFE brings the largest turnout to the largest kids triathlon in the world (Team OFE had 150+ kids in 2024.)!
Let’s do it again in 2025!
The OFE Healthy Kid Committee registered the Oak Forest Elementary team (Team OFE) for students who wish to sign up and participate in the triathlon.
The default option for the OFE team is the Saturday Short Course; however, parents/students, please sign up for the division (e.g., Short, Long, Para, Splash & Dash, Ride & Dash, etc.) that best suits the athlete’s age range and skill set, and the day (Saturday or Sunday) that works best for you.
Worried about choosing one day and then needing to switch later? Not a problem! Athletes may transfer from Saturday to Sunday or vice versa up to 30 days to the race date at no cost. Within 30 days to the scheduled race date, transfers may still be processed for an additional fee.
The Healthy Kid Committee will kick off 4-week group training sessions (running, swimming, and biking) the week after Spring Break to ensure participating students are adequately prepared for the triathlon. Details and schedule will be announced in February 2025. This training opportunity will all be held nearby in the neighborhood.
Additionally, we will coordinate with our participating OFE families on triathlon weekend (both Saturday & Sunday) to come together at the event to celebrate the achievement of our students in the triathlon. Your family can also enjoy the post race party plus the waterpark itself!
Please use the link below to register with the Oak Forest Elementary team!
Please note - You must use the link provided here so that your student is assigned to our school. If you use the link directly from the Triathlon website, your student will not be assigned to OFE. https://runsignup.com/Race/Register/RaceGroup-1637779?raceId=34862
Below are a few of most FAQ that OFE families have. Read below for an idea of what to expect — and hopefully to convince you to take the plunge (and the ride and the run)!
Q: What is the kids triathlon?
A: The Houston Kids Triathlon is a triathlon just for kids and perfect for beginners. Many kids who participate are doing their first triathlon, but there are many experienced returning participants!
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SHORT COURSE- Younger kids (between 6 and 11 years old as of the event date)
- Swim 125 meters, bike 2 miles, then run 1 miles
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LONG COURSE - Older kids (between 10 and 17 as of the event date) who turn 11 any time in 2025)
- Swim 225 meters, bike 4 miles, then run 1.6 miles.
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Other divisions include:
- Invitational
- Short and Long Course Splash & Dash
- Short Course Ride & Dash
- Adaptive Splash & Dash Assisted Triathlon
- Assisted Splash & Dash
- Paratriathlon
Q: When and where does all of this happen?
A: 10th annual kids triathlon will take place at Typhoon Texas Waterpark located at 555 Katy Fort Bend Road in Katy, TX US 77494.
Q: What if my child isn’t that confident on the bike yet?
A: They would love the Short and Long Course Splash and Dash option.
Q: My child seems interested, but will they really be ready?
A: We will get them ready! Team OFE practices together for a month leading up to race day. We have
- A swim coach offering weekly practice
- Running coaches* offering 2x weekly practices
- A weekly biking practice.
*Our running coaches also offer a Transition Training Day. This day is GREAT for calming any nerves of students OR PARENTS. The Coaches will show the kids exactly how Triathlon Day will unfold, step by step. Students will learn how to set-up their transition area with their bike, helmet, and shoes so that everything is ready for them when they finish the swim portion.
Q: What does my child need in order to train and participate?
A: Your child needs a bike, helmet, comfortable shoes for running, and something to swim in. Most kids will swim in a suit then put on a t-shirt for the bike and run. There is a registration fee that varies ($60-70 per).
Q: What is race day like?
A: Not gonna lie, you will be waking up very early. (It’s only one day!) Your friendly triathlon chairs will have a Team OFE area set up to grab snacks. You will help your child set up their transition area, including their bike, helmet, and shoes, then parents are kicked out of the transition area before the race begins. You will be able to watch them at a few spots along the way but this is really something they accomplish largely on their own! There are tons of volunteers in the transition area to help them as they transition from swim to bike and bike to run. DO NOT WORRY :) You will be rewarded with a HUGE smile on your Bobcat’s face as they cross the finish line!!
Q: Where can I get more information?
A: You can find a super helpful FAQ on the official triathlon website.