Power Kids Duathlon Gives Children a Summer Challenge with Purpose

(This article was written by Abigail Muniz-Garcia and was featured in the July 2025 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine.)

Photo courtesy by Bicycle World RGV.

Summer for kids means no school, sun, vacation, and duathlons? It can. The Power Kids Duathlon is in its third year and on Saturday, July 19, it will give children an opportunity to do something many adults have yet to conquer: a duathlon. This type of endurance event combines running and cycling.

Ana Adame, manager at Bicycle World RGV in Harlingen, says that they’re looking forward to the duathlon, which offers children an opportunity to take part in a worthwhile athletic event.

“We wanted to bring something for children. There are so many things for adults, and we wanted to make it just for kids. It’s called Power Kids Duathlon because it empowers them,” Adame said.

Photo courtesy of Bicycle World RGV.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 5 children in the United States have obesity with some groups being more susceptible than others. Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black children, and children in families with lower incomes are at a higher risk.

Events such as a children’s duathlon are a way to encourage children to stay active, especially during the summer months when children may not be as active with school being out. The “summer slide” as some experts refer to it, not only refers to less reading but also less physical activity in children during the summer months.

With the registration, children will receive a shirt and a medal at the completion of the event. There will also be breakfast for participants provided by Chick-fil-A.

Photo courtesy of Bicycle World RGV.

Proceeds from the duathlon will go to Blue Sunday Child Abuse Prevention Initiative (Blue Sunday), a local nonprofit organization.

“There are a lot of wonderful foundations for children out there, but Blue Sunday is one that we feel connected to,” Adame said.

Adame mentioned that last year there were about fifty children who participated in the event, but they hope for an even better turnout this year.

“We are trying to get participation up,” she said. “We’d like for it to grow.”

“We invite the parents to bring their children out. It’s a very empowering event for them and it gives back to children who really need it (Blue Sunday). It’s something they can do to help out another child,” she said.

The duathlon is divided into three age divisions. The 4- to 6-year-olds will do a 1/2 mile on their bikes and run 1/4 of a mile. 7- to 10-year-olds will do 3/4-mile on their bikes and 1/2 a mile run, while the oldest group, the 11- to 13-year olds, will bike for 2 miles and do a 3/4-mile run.

The registration fee is $20. The duathlon will take place at Lon C. Hill Park in Harlingen and will start at 7:30 a.m. A helmet is required for the bike ride portion of the event. Please contact Bicycle World RGV at 956-423-3168 and follow them on Facebook (Bicycle World RGV) for more information on the event.