27-01-2025
Tri for a Cause event helps support girls' athletics
DES MOINES, Iowa — Families looking to stay active and have some fun gathered at the YMCA Sunday morning to participate in Tri for a Cause.
Tri for a Cause is held every year by Girls on the Run, which helps provide funding for school age girls to participate in athletics programs. Participants either work in groups or go solo to swim, bike, and run several miles for the fundraiser.
'Tri for a Cause is fundraising for Girls on the Run of central Iowa, and our mission is for girls to become more joyful, healthy, and confident,' said Jordan McCormick, Council Director for Girls on the Run.
While the goal of the fundraiser is to have fun and encourage physical activity, McCormick say participants definitely got a workout.
'We start with the swim; participants do a 400-yard swim or 200-yard for 12 and under. Then they do a bike portion seven miles or half that distance for 12 and under. Then the run, which is two miles or one mile,' said McCormick.
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The cold weather causes families and children to become stagnant, McCormick says Tri for the Cause is a reminder that you can visit indoor facilities and do a variety of activities.
'There's very few opportunities to do so and it's fun because it builds, you know, momentum through the seasons where it's cold outside,' said McCormick. 'It keeps people involved and this is an event for all ages, so family members do it and teams and individuals.'
According to the Girls on the Run website, more than 13,000 girls have been supported in central Iowa since 2007.
Adaline, a fourth grader from Van Meter, participated in Sunday's race with one goal in mind.
'I was just excited to, like, finish my goal, to beat my mom or be done the same time as her,' said Adaline.
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And beat her mom she did. This her second year participating and she says she wants to keep coming back.
McCormick says seeing kids and their families show up to get active and support each other is why she does it.
'This is fun because all ages can participate, all abilities, and so it's a really encouraging environment. Just like our programs are,' said McCormick. 'It's really fun to see all ages, everyone come out and support each other.'
Girls on the Run Central Iowa is excited to host a 5K this spring on May 18, with registration opening February 17.
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