THE Little Penguin Dash kids aquathon hit a record high this year with 140 registrations; children aged between seven to 14 years were keeping active and taking part in the fifth kids Bass Coast Series event.  

Special events co-ordinator Ron Nicholson said numbers for the event are continually growing. 

“The more kids get involved, the more their friends want to take part too.”

The beach biathlon saw the children competing in age-group heats, with two different length courses 150-300 metre swim and 500 metre-one kilometre run for ages 7-10 years and 11-14 years.

Jett Fawaz was first over the finish line in the under 10’s completing the course in five minutes, and 40 seconds, with Daisy Giliam-Rodda trailing right behind. 

Seven-year-old Eden Tom and Frankie Hayes were following shortly behind, keeping an impressive pace for their age group. 

William Speakman, Maddison Leed and Isla Humphrey led the 14-year-age group for their final Little Penguin Dash race before they take on the Cowes Classic next year.

“The Little Penguin Dash had 30 more registrations than its previous year. All of the five years of the Little Penguin Dash have surpassed the previous record so it’s just an event that’s growing as each year progresses,” said Ron. 

All children receive a t-shirt, cap, and medallion for their participation. 

“It’s great to see the kids walking around with their t-shirts on and their medallions around their neck – proud of their achievements,” said Ron. 

Parent volunteers Karli Dipaola and Caroline Wright were at the finish line on The Esplanade presenting medallions and cheering with the crowd in support of the children’s participation. 

The Little Penguin Dash isn’t a biathlon that is timed for place; however, the clock was running for the children to set their personal best. All proceeds for the Bass Coast Series event support volunteers at the Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club and Phillip Island Football Netball Club.