The public’s attention of late has focused on whether West Hollywood Park will provide room for those four-legged children known as dogs. But that hasn’t stopped an ambitious program to train young, two-legged park patrons to participate in triathlons
The West Hollywood triathlon program, offered in conjunction with the Pacific Triathlon League (PTL), just completed its first eight-week session, and the fall session begins Sept. 22. Participants, ages 9 to 17, train from 5 to 7 p.m. each Monday and Wednesday in West Hollywood Park. There is no residency requirement for participants. The summer session includes a “Team West Hollywood” contingent as well as its “Team Beverly Hills” counterpart. PTL director Susan Kolko hopes more west L.A.-area young people will get involved.
“We’re growing a sport, and we’re doing this as a community,” she said.
All training takes place on WeHo park grounds, but the eight-week sessions culminate with opportunities for participants to take part in off-site races.
Triathlons include biking, swimming and running—but it is okay if a youth participant can’t do all three of those things. He or she can take part in races by being part of a relay team.
“What we’re really trying to do is build a mentor program for the kids,” said Kolko, who noted that almost all of the program’s coaches are involved in college-level athletics at the University of California-Los Angeles.
The program costs $150 per session, which includes all the training in WeHo. Other off-site PTL opportunities are sometimes offered for additional fees. Registration can be done at West Hollywood Pool, 647 N. San Vicente at El Tovar, anytime during pool hours.
