Triathlon Pink: 7yo to compete in first triathlon to raise funds for breast cancer research

SEVEN-year-old Makayla ‘Nugg’ Maloney will do her first triathlon this weekend to raise funds for breast cancer research.

The Tapping girl will take part in Triathlon Pink on November 20 at the WA Athletics Stadium in Mount Claremont.

As well as doing a 50m swim, 2km bike ride and 500m run, Makayla has set herself a fundraising goal of $5000.

Triathlon Pink is an all-female triathlon series that hosts seven annual events around Australia and has raised more than $1.7 million for breast cancer charities since 2007.

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This year the charity partner is the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF), which needs $200,000 to fund research for two years.

With her mother, Kelly, Nugg has used social media to gain supporters, starting a series of YouTube videos to appeal to friends, family and local businesses for donations.

Nugg’s mother completed her first Triathlon Pink event in 2013 and was inspired by fellow competitors to encourage her daughter to follow her lead at this year’s event.

“It is a natural progression that Nugg is now old enough to participate in the event herself and give back to people in the community who have been impacted by breast cancer,” Mrs Maloney said. “I can’t wait to see her smiling face running over that finish line.”

Mrs Maloney said that they were passionate about supporting NBCF, as breast cancer was a cause close to their hearts. “Breast cancer touches too many close to any home,” she said.

“Having a daughter has led me to educate her about the need for research to stop people dying from this disease.

Donate at www.triathlonpink2016.everydayhero.com/ au/nugg-s-triathlon-pink.