No, seriously.  

Early one Sunday morning (we were up anyway, right?) we headed down to Fairmount Park with our be-ribboned homemade signs and some bottles of water and sunscreen to cheer on a friend who was participating in her first womens' triathalon.  It sounds like a nutty place to go with a kid, but it was great - all of the bikes and runners going by - with numbers! on them - and we loves numbers right now, oh yes we do.  Plus, we got to scream and yell and jump up and down and it made other people happy and motivated.  She enjoyed that immensely.  (and so did I.)

So, here's how to do it:

1. Make a big sign.  Use posterboard, print-outs from the internet, high-contrast markers, ribbon, glue… you name it? If it adheres in muggy weather (glue sticks nsm), get your kid to help put it on the sign.  Write down your triathlete's bib number somewhere on the sign too.  Even though you'll be cheering for everyone, this will help you remember who you're looking for in the blur of spokes and sweat.
   
   
2. Put your child on spotter duty.  Tell them your pal's race number and have them keep an eye out for it.  Apply more sunscreen while they're distracted.
   
   
3. Take lots of water, and a couple small toys.  It's hot.  There are stretches of empty time.  Enough said.
   
   
4. Move around.  The race course covers a wide area… use the viewing map available (usually) from the race website to pick a couple of walkable areas and move from place to place.  Each location will have a different view, and different things to cheer for.
   
   
5. Get Loud.  The athletes love it.  The kids love it.  Cut loose!
   
   
6. Feed your inner runner.  After it's all over, those athletes will need to eat a lot of carbs.  And that means you can too!  Pancakes, burgers, cheese!  Triathalon food is exactly what toddlers love most.  … What?