Sarasota, Fla., to host Strider Bikes World Championships

Strider Sports is bringing toddlers from around the world together for the Strider World Championship and Sarasota Kids Fest in Sarasota, Fla., on the weekend of October 12-15, 2012 for four days of adventure on two wheels and off. 

The Strider World Championship at the Sarasota BMX Track is an annual racing event that brings together Strider riders and their families from all over the globe for the culmination of all Strider Racing and fun family events. This year's festivities will also include on-site entertainment by the Radio Disney Road Crew. 

The Strider World Championship on Saturday, October 13 will feature 2 through 5-year-old racers from North America, Asia, Europe, and South America. Racers can qualify and get extra track time before the big race by attending Friday's (October 12) Last Chance Qualifying practice to become eligible for the World Championship being held the next day.

Every racer will earn a medal for participation in the race and the top eight finishers in each age group will be awarded trophies during a finish line podium ceremony. At the end, there will be lots of big smiles, and the 2 through 5-year-old World Champions will be crowned. The toddler trophy ceremonies are always a treat for camera-clicking parents.

The race entry fee is $25 for both the Championship and Last Chance Qualifier during pre-registration. The cost is $25 for the Championship and $10 for the Last Chance Qualifier for registration at the event. All participants will receive a goodie bag valued at over $50! Registration is limited to the first 200 racers. For more information or to pre-register, visit www.StriderWorldChampionship.com

In addition to world championship racing, bring the whole crew to the Sarasota Kids Fest, which will include the Free Strider Adventure Zone, which is a safe and fun Strider bike test ride area for children 18 months to 5 years of age. There will be free loaner bikes and helmets provided at the Adventure Zone both days.

Additional events that weekend include the beach parade and an outing to the new Payne Park, the region's newest playground and skate park.