Town of Islip hosts youth triathlon

Calling all fit youth of Long Island: Registration is under way for the third annual Great South Bay Youth Triathlon, which is scheduled for June 4.

The Town of Islip event is split into two age groups: 7- to 10-year-olds swim a 100-meter distance off the beach at East Islip Marina, bike 1 mile and run a half-mile around the adjacent baseball field; 11- to 15-year-olds do a 200-meter swim, bike 2 miles and run 1 mile.

The entry fee for the triathlon, run in conjunction with EventPower, is $40 an individual or $60 for a relay team with two or three members. Islip Town residents get a $5 discount.

The race benefits the Boomer Esiason Foundation for cystic fibrosis — the former NFL quarterback grew up in East Islip and his son Gunnar was diagnosed with the disease in 1993 — and the EJ Autism Foundation, a Long Island-based non-profit dedicated to increasing autism awareness and raising research funds.

Last year about 50 children competed, said Islip Councilman John Edwards, who created the event three years ago motivated by an interest in encouraging kids to be active. Each charity received a check for more than $4,300, Edwards said.

More information about the event is available at www.eventpowerli.com.