Events
Place
100 Sam Ridley Pkwy E
Smyrna, TN 37167
Description
The Town of Smyrna Parks & Recreation Department and the Mid TN Multi-sport triathlon club are happy to announce the inaugural Smyrna Splash & Dash event for kids ages 6 through 15 on June 27, 2026.
Start Time is 7:00 am CT (first athlete in the water)
Agenda
6:00 AM- Transition and Packet Pickup Opens
6:40 AM- Transition Zone Closes
6:45 AM- Opening Ceremony Begins
6:55 AM- Groups Line Up
7:00 AM- Race begins with 13-15 Group (other groups to follow)
After last racer crosses finish line- Awards and Closing
This unique, beginner friendly youth event will be a fantastic opportunity for kids to swim, run, and have a great time being outside in the Town of Smyrna, Tennessee.
Kids will start their morning with a quick time-trial lap swim in the Splash Town pool. They will then proceed to the transition zone and grab their running shoes for the second half of the event. The athletes will then exit the transition, e.g. pool facility, and begin their run on the double-wide sidewalks as they enter Lee Victory Park. This scenic run will take the athletes past the playground and around the Captain Jeff Kuss Memorial before heading down to the finish line at the Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center.
All participants will receive a complimentary USA Triathlon Annual Youth Membership
Ages 6-10: 60 yard swim, 1 mile run
Ages 11-12: 120 yard swim, 1 mile run
Ages 13-15: 120 yard swim, 1.60 mil run
SWIM: Please note, due to our desire to keep this a fun and beginner friendly event for even the youngest athletes, the swim distances are not the standard 25 yard length, allowing us to keep the swim in the shallower portion of the pool. Swimming East to West across the pool width will utilize the shallow end of the pool (up to 5 foot) and is roughly 15 yards each width. Athletes age 6-10 will swim 4 widths, athletes age 11-15 will swim 8 widths touching the wall and swimming under the rope in a snake swim. Athletes will be lined up by age and released every 5 to 10 seconds. Please ensure your athlete can swim the required distance unassisted. USAT rules prevent the use of flotation devices. However, lifeguards will be on duty to ensure safety.
RUN: This scenic run will take athletes through Lee Victory Park, out and around the famous Captain Jeff Kuss memorial, and downhill for a celebratory finish. Athletes age 12 and under will run 1 mile, while athletes ages 13 and up will run a second loop totaling around 1.6 miles. At least one water stop will be provided. Athletes will stay on the double lane sidewalks of the park.
As this is the inaugural event, participation will be limited to 100 athletes and is expected to sell out.
The Smyrna Splash & Dash is a sanctioned USAT event and therefore requires a USAT license for all participants. However, USAT is granting annual licenses for all participants of the 2026 event. While this event is focused on fun, it will be officially timed by Race Day Events.
*USAT (USA Triathlon) rules require that the age that is used is the age as of 12/31 of the race year.
Registration includes
- A Splash & Dash medal
- Race T-Shirt (Must be registered by 6/16 to be guaranteed a shirt)
- Refreshments after the race
- Timed results by Race Day Events
For any questions, please contact smyrnasplashdash@gmail.com or visit our facebook page
Volunteer Opportunities
The Smyrna Splash and Dash wouldn’t be possible without our amazing volunteers! We need many volunteers on race day to help create a safe, fun, and memorable experience for all of our young athletes. From course support to cheering on participants at the finish line, there’s a role for everyone. Grab a friend, bring your energy, and be part of something special in our community!
If you have any questions, please reach out to smyrnasplashdash@gmail.com
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Course Maps & Parking
Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.
FAQ's
FAQ's
General Questions
Q) Where do I park?
A) Please park in the main lot in front of the Outdoor Adventure Center. There are approximately 300 parking spaces. You will need to enter from the Sam Ridley entrance. The entrance by the Bowling Alley and Skate Center will be closed for the race.
Q) Is this race competitive or just for fun?
A) A little bit of both. The main goal is to have fun, however, the race is being professionally timed and awards will be given. Categories are TBC.
Q) Will food be provided after the race?
A) Yes, food will be provided to athletes after the race. We ask that food is reserved for athletes only.
Q) What should my athlete wear?
A) Given the short distance of the race, normal swimwear is fine. However, triathlon suits are a great investment if your athlete takes a liking to these type of events. The only requirement is that the race bib must be visible during the run portion of the event. The bib may be pinned to a shirt or to a race belt.
Q) What happens if it rains?
A) The event will take place rain or shine, the athletes may just get an extra splash if it rains. However, inclement weather could cause delay or cancelation. In the event of cancelation, unfortunately no refunds will be given due to the fixed cost that go into the race.
Q) Will anyone be taking pictures?
A) Yes! We want to tell the story of the first ever Smyrna Splash & Dash and we are very thankful to have a team of professional photographers led by Brody Hall who will be taking pictures in the pool, on the run course by the memorial, and at the finish line.
Swim Questions
Q) My child is not the best swimmer, should they participate in the event?
A) Splash & Dash athletes do not need to be a super strong swimmer to participate. However, they do need to be able to swim unassisted, meaning without flotation devices. The event is designed to be beginner friendly which is why the majority of the swim will be in 5 ft and under depth. There will be also be many spots where athletes can hold onto the wall to take a breath if needed. We just ask them not to hang on the ropes. Lifeguards will be both on the deck and in the ware to assist if needed.
Q) Will there be lanes in the pool?
A) Yes, there will be dividers for each lane
Q) Will all swimmers start at once?
A) No, we will utilize a time trial swim start where athletes will line up and jump into the water in around 10 second intervals.
Transition Questions
Q) How will transition from swim to run work?
A) Athletes will exit the pool via stairs and proceed to the transition zone in the parking lot where they will drop their goggles and put their running shoes & shirt on before beginning the run. Each athlete will have a small area where their shoes, socks, shirt, etc will be laid out on the ground. Transition areas will be marked with their race number.
Q) Are parents allowed in the transition zone to help their athletes?
A) No, only athletes and volunteers are authorized to enter the transition zone. However, volunteers will be in the zone to help the athletes as needed.
Q) How & when will the athletes set up their transition zones?
A) Prior to the race beginning, athletes will be able to set up their transition zone, but must exit as determined by the race agenda schedule.
Q) What should my athlete's transition zone look like?
A) The transition zone should have only the essentials laid out neatly in front of the number in the transition area. This includes shoes, shirt, socks, sunglasses, hat, etc. All items should be placed on top of shoes. If it is raining, it is recommended to keep items including shoes in a plastic grocery bag to stay dry. Some athletes will lay their items on a brightly colored towel so it's easier to locate. Volunteers will be in the transition zone to help.
Run Questions
Q) Are parents permitted on the run course?
A) We prefer the athletes complete the event on their own if possible, however we of course encourage parents to cheer on and support all athletes on the course. The best place to watch athletes will be around the finish line.
Q) Is the run course marked so my athlete does not get lost?
A) Yes, the course will be plainly marked and any questionable turns will be blocked by cones. Volunteers will also be out on the run course to ensure safety. However, please encourage your athlete to stay on the sidewalks and marked paths
Q) My athlete is between 13-15, what is their distance?
A) Our oldest athletes will do part of the course twice. After coming down the hill from the memorial, they will turn left after crossing the round about area and begin their second loop. A volunteer will be at the turnaround spot to guide them. On the second lap, the athlete will continue straight toward the finish line. All other ages will complete one loop of the run course.
Directions
Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center & Splashtown Pool
100 Sam Ridley Pkwy E
Smyrna, TN 37167
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