ST. GEORGE – More than 150 kids ages 12 and under took to the tarmac at the Ridge Top Complex, 620 South Airport Road in St. George, Saturday morning to show off their cycling skills and enjoy a fun and healthy family activity.
Sponsored by the Move It! Kids program, the criterium race pit kids against the clock as they raced around the pavement trying to complete as many laps as they could. Bicycles, tricycles and even scooters were allowed on course in an athletic event designed for fitness and fun.
Now in its third year, the race formerly known as the Tuff Kids Criterium has seen growing participation since its inception, Race Director Aaron Metler said, and is one of seven events geared toward children held throughout the year.
“It continues to grow every year,” Metler said, noting that it doubled from its first year to its second and grew again by 50 percent this year.
Trevin Kirk, 4, competed in the criterium race and completed three full laps in his age category, good for second place. Trevin Kirk comes from a family of athletes, loves biking and is very competitive his mom, Kate Kirk, said.
Kate Kirk praised the race and the Move It! program for inspiring kids to get out and be active and focused.
“It is really good for the kids to be outside and involved,” Kate Kirk said, “and doing things besides sitting on the couch and being outside when the weather is nice.”
Temperatures at race start were in the low- to mid-60s making the late winter day feel a lot more like spring and delighting race organizers and spectators alike.
“We somehow got perfect weather today,” Metler said. “It’s February and it is warm and sunny.”
For kids interested in biking, the criterium, which is a closed course, provided the perfect jumping off point to start in a safe environment that keeps its focus on fun.
Move It! program coordinator Brianna Rosia has been involved with the race all three years and touted it as a great way for kids to get into cycling and to participate in an active lifestyle.
Participating children received finisher awards – yellow cowbells – as well as Move It! program prizes, commemorative shirts and finish line refreshments.
The St. George Police Department was on hand checking bike tire pressure, operating a bike safety skills course and donating free bicycle helmets.
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Kids ages 12 and under ride for health and fun at the Move It! Kids criterium held at the Ridge Top Complex, St. George, Utah, Feb. 7, 2015 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Kids ages 12 and under ride for health and fun at the Move It! Kids criterium held at the Ridge Top Complex, St. George, Utah, Feb. 7, 2015 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Kids ages 12 and under ride for health and fun at the Move It! Kids criterium held at the Ridge Top Complex, St. George, Utah, Feb. 7, 2015 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Kids ages 12 and under ride for health and fun at the Move It! Kids criterium held at the Ridge Top Complex, St. George, Utah, Feb. 7, 2015 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Kids ages 12 and under ride for health and fun at the Move It! Kids criterium held at the Ridge Top Complex, St. George, Utah, Feb. 7, 2015 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Kids ages 12 and under ride for health and fun at the Move It! Kids criterium held at the Ridge Top Complex, St. George, Utah, Feb. 7, 2015 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
The Findlay Kia hamster and the Move It! Kids penguin entertain and delight children participating in the Move It! Kids criterium held at the Ridge Top Complex, St. George, Utah, Feb. 7, 2015 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Kids ages 12 and under ride for health and fun at the Move It! Kids criterium held at the Ridge Top Complex, St. George, Utah, Feb. 7, 2015 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Kids ages 12 and under ride for health and fun at the Move It! Kids criterium held at the Ridge Top Complex, St. George, Utah, Feb. 7, 2015 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Kids ages 12 and under ride for health and fun at the Move It! Kids criterium held at the Ridge Top Complex, St. George, Utah, Feb. 7, 2015 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Kids ages 12 and under ride for health and fun at the Move It! Kids criterium held at the Ridge Top Complex, St. George, Utah, Feb. 7, 2015 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Kids ages 12 and under ride for health and fun at the Move It! Kids criterium held at the Ridge Top Complex, St. George, Utah, Feb. 7, 2015 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Kids ages 12 and under ride for health and fun at the Move It! Kids criterium held at the Ridge Top Complex, St. George, Utah, Feb. 7, 2015 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Kids ages 12 and under ride for health and fun at the Move It! Kids criterium held at the Ridge Top Complex, St. George, Utah, Feb. 7, 2015 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Trevin Kirk, 4, is all smiles after completing his race at the Move It! Kids criterium held at the Ridge Top Complex, St. George, Utah, Feb. 7, 2015 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Treven Gainey, 2, all dressed up in safety gear for the Move It! Kids criterium held at the Ridge Top Complex, St. George, Utah, Feb. 7, 2015 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Participants at the Move It! kids criterium practice their skills on a bike safety course set up by the St. George Police Department, St. George, Utah, Feb. 7, 2015 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Ready to race! Participants in the Move It! Kids criterium wait in the staging area for their turn to hit the tarmac at the Ridge Top Complex, St. George, Utah, Feb. 7, 2015 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Ready to race! Participants in the Move It! Kids criterium wait in the staging area for their turn to hit the tarmac at the Ridge Top Complex, St. George, Utah, Feb. 7, 2015 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Kids and spectators enjoy a warm race day at the Move It! Kids criterium held at the Ridge Top Complex, St. George, Utah, Feb. 7, 2015 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
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