Corus Kids of Steel - Eastern Region Event

The sixth Corus Kids of Steel event in a summer long series took place in Grays on Wednesday 23rd.

300 children from local schools aged between 8 and 13 turned up to try a triathlon, with many of them expressing interest in continuing their new found sport with East Essex Triathlon Club, Ipswich Tri and Tri Sport Epping.

The Corus Kids of Steel events aim to encourage kids to experience the sport of triathlon, and help them get active in a fun and safe environment. At a time when childhood obesity is at an all time high, Corus and British Triathlon are aiding the government's Healthy School Programme through giving kids an opportunity to take up a new sport whilst learning about healthy living.

The Grays event included a 80m swim, 2km cycle and a 1km run over a course at Blackshots Leisure Centre.

British Triathlon's Development Director, Mark Barfield, said: "The Corus Kids of Steel event in Grays was a great success. I was bowled over by the enthusiasm the kids brought to the event. This series is a very exciting prospect for triathlon in Britain. Not only are we giving children an opportunity to try out a new sport and offering them advice on healthy living, we also hope to discover some young stars of the future."

Having already visited the cities of London, Birmingham, Sheffield, Plymouth and Middlesbrough, the series will now continue round the UK, including stop offs in Salford, Livingstone, Crawley & Newport.

The sport of triathlon is currently enjoying great success with three World Champions, including Junior athlete Alistair Brownlee. It is hoped the series will unearth future stars of the sport.