THE University of the Sunshine Coast will host the Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon for the first time at its Sippy Downs campus on Sunday, April 22.

TRYathlon ambassador Steve "Commando” Willis made a special visit to USC recently to encourage participation from some of the Coast's energetic youngsters.

Steve engaged with a dozen children who will take part in the annual swim-cycle-run event.

The TV celebrity provided the children with tips on how to prepare for a TRYathlon, including physical, mental and nutritional aspects, and then put them through their paces with a series of simple exercises.

Steve answered questions about training, including one about running that saw the children challenge him to a 400m run around the athletics track.

At the TRYathlon, children will take part in small groups according to age and gender.

Those in the 7-10 age group will do a 75m swim, 3km cycle and 500m run, while those in the 11-15 age group will do a 150m swim, 6km cycle and 1km run.

Visit https://tryathlon.com.au/locations/sunshine-coast/ to enter.