Strong Kids Duathlon expands to two towns
Photo courtesy of YMCA Northumberland.
By Cecilia Nasmith
With an 18-year history behind it, YMCA Northumberland announces that its 2026 Strong Kids Duathlon will take place at two different dates and locations – at the Campbellford Y on Thursday, Aug. 13, and at the Cobourg Waterfront and Centennial Pool a week later.
This lively family-friendly event celebrates young athletes through a swimming and running challenge. Friends and family members are invited to cheer them on as they cross the finish line, to create an atmosphere of community pride, encouragement and joy. As for awards, each participant will receive a ribbon to celebrate his or her achievement.
The ambitious fundraising goal this year is $10,000 – doubling last year's goal – to fund two YMC Northumberland community projects.
The Mothers of Newborns Program is offered free to give local mothers and their babies a safe, supportive path to health, wellness and connection during that critical first year. Currently serving more than 60% of all new Northumberland mothers, the program has supported more than 2,500 mothers and infants since 2017.
The Essential Camp initiative is addressing expanding camp programming and infrastructure needs, including building an outdoor pavilion at the Campbellford Y, to ensure children have a safe environment to build confidence and thrive.
Y President and Chief Executive Officer Eunice Kirkpatrick said the event always brings out an incredible energy.
“Two locations means we get to double that joy this August,” Kirkpatrick said in the announcement,
“Doubling our fundraising target to $10,000 is a big leap, but it matches the growing event and, more importantly, growing needs in Northumberland. Whether it's giving a newborn a healthy start or building more space for campers to thrive in, the funds raised here change local lives.”
Check-in for both events begins at 5 p.m., with races officially starting at 5:45 p.m. It is open to young people aged three to 15, and registration is $18 per child.
To register, volunteer, or learn more, visit https://ymcanrt.org/duathlon2026/
