The first wave of the 9- and 10-year-old group begins the swimming portion of the first-ever Celebrate Life Swim Bike Run Kids Triathlon Saturday morning.
Jillian Lindner, center, runs around the track with Danielle Taylor, left, and John Day at Gilroy High School during the first ever Celebrate Life Swim Bike Run Kids Triathlon Saturday morning.
Christina Day, right, Jennesa Andrade, and Katelyn Brolin race back to the staging area to run the final leg of the Celebrate Life Swim Bike Run Kids Triathlon Saturday.
A new breed of triathletes took to Gilroy High Saturday morning, as 95 kids ages 5- to 13-years-old competed in the first-ever Celebrate Life Swim Bike Run Kids Triathlon, which was put on by the City of Gilroy and a host of sponsors.
Almost all of the competitors had never been in a triathlon before, making the experience unique for almost everyone involved, including the organizers.
"I think it went well," Coordinator Veronica Torrez said. "This was our first time doing this, so, of course, there were kinks. But just talking to parents after their kids completed a triathlon, and them smiling, knowing they did complete it, that justified everything for why we put this thing together."
Those participating started in the pool at GHS, then went on a bike ride that was followed by laps around the school's track. Distances varied depending upon the age groupings, with the 11- to 13-year-olds swimming four laps (100 meters), biking four miles along Luchessa Avenue and running another mile.
Torrez said the event wouldn't have been possible without "amazing support from our community," as well as a long list of sponsors.
Results:
5-6 years - Female, Rian Hepner; Male, Gabriel Bumanlag; 7-8 years - Female, Ceily Hepner; Male, Ricky Apodaca; 9-10 years - Female, Eleanore Leveque, Male, Connor Robinson; 11-13 years - Female, Emma Leach; Male, Nolan Dozer.
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