Megan Hands Shares Her Iron Kids Experience

Megan Hands was just six-years-old the first time she took part in Clarien’s Iron Kids Triathlon.

The race was “without a doubt” what led her to pursue running, cycling and swimming more seriously.

Now 15, Megan is gearing up to participate in the annual children’s race for the last time tomorrow [June 22], before ageing out of the competition. It will be a bitter-sweet moment for the teen.

“For me, Iron Kids was a really great introduction to triathlons and allowed me to experience the sport at a pretty young age,” she said. “The Tiny Tots Race is designed for 3 to 6 -year-olds and really is just for fun. Everyone who takes part gets a medal and I like that the younger kids all get the #1 as their race number, so no one stands out from the rest.”

While there have been many memories and friends made along the years thanks to Iron Kids, Megan said the highlight was placing second in both 2016 and 2017, in the 11-15-year-old age category.

“It was a really proud moment, especially considering the girl who won the competition was a few years older than me,” she said.

The MSA student enjoys competing in triathlons as it’s a community style sport. She also likes the physical and mental challenge of pushing the limits of how far and fast she can possible go.

“I’ve definitely learnt to push myself harder by competing in triathlons,” she said. “When I’m on the last leg of the race, I make sure I give 100 percent of whatever energy I have left. In the past, I’ve pushed myself harder and faster than I thought I could. That feels good – when you perform better than you ever imagined.”

Her advice to children taking part in the triathlon for the first time is to drink lots of water and follow the lead of others who have done the race before. “They know what they’re doing, so watch them and learn what you can,” she said. “During my first triathlon, I had no clue what I was doing, but I got better and stronger each year that I signed up.”

Thanks to her participation in both the Iron Kids race and a junior triathlon group called ‘Tri-Hedz’, Megan had the opportunity to be picked for Bermuda’s CARIFTA Team last September.

In addition to the triathlon, families can enjoy Carnival style festivities, including fun castles, face painting, great food and other free games and activities starting at noon on Saturday, June 22. Registration for Clarien Bank’s 31st Annual Iron Kids Triathlon is available online at www.clarienironkids.com or sign up directly at the event at Clearwater Beach in St. David’s. It costs $8 for Tiny Tots, ages 3 – 6; or $15 for triathletes ages 7 – 15.

Additionally, the top three boy and girl finishers in the 11-15 category will win scholarship funds in a Clarien Iron Kids account. First place will receive $1,000, second $500 and third $250.

For additional information, please visit clarienironkids.com.

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