Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar® is calling children, ages seven to 12, to grab their running shoes, swim goggles and bike helmets to join in the fight against children’s cancers during the Applebee’s Kids Helping Kids Triathlon, benefiting The V Foundation for Cancer Research®, on Oct. 12 at the Triangle Aquatic Center in Cary, North Carolina.

The Applebee’s Kids Helping Kids Triathlon is designed with fun first in mind. Children of all experience levels are invited to register to race their friends, siblings and classmates through an achievable yet challenging course.

Proceeds will benefit The V Foundation for Cancer Research to fund pediatric cancer research at Duke Children’s Hospital.

“The Applebee’s Kids Helping Kids Triathlon gives our youth an opportunity to enjoy a fun-filled day of healthy, physical activity and experience the rewarding feeling of giving back to children in their own community,” said Michael Olander, CEO for Apple Gold Group.

The event is hosted by Apple Gold Group, one of the largest franchisees of Applebee’s in the world, and is presented by O2 Fitness, with 12 locations throughout the greater Triangle area and Wilmington. Apple Gold Group’s 52 restaurants in North Carolina have been raising funds for The V Foundation for many years, voting the Foundation the company’s regional charity of choice seven years ago.

“Thanks to our generous guests and employees in North Carolina, our restaurants in the state have raised more than $1 million for The V Foundation in the past seven years,” said Olander. “Now we aim to bring together children in the local neighborhood to help bring us one step, peddle and stroke closer to making children’s cancers a thing of the past.”

The event will feature fun activities for parents and children of all ages, including a Fun Zone with a carnival atmosphere and interactive games.

Registration is now open at www.applebeeskidshelpingkids.com. Once registered, participants are encouraged to get their friends, neighbors and family involved by creating a fundraising page.

Sponsorship and fun zone opportunities are also available upon request.