Race to the Finish

They came with their bikes, shoes, water bottles, towels, and goggles. They were excited, ready to face a challenge. In all, 265 kids ages 7 to 14 came, not only from Rye, but from Stamford, Lagrangeville, Fairfield, White Plains, Bronxville, and various towns outside Westchester County. They came to the Jarden Westchester Kids’ Triathlon for one reason: to win.

By Allison Brett

They came with their bikes, shoes, water bottles, towels, and goggles. They were excited, ready to face a challenge. In all, 265 kids ages 7 to 14 came, not only from Rye, but from Stamford, Lagrangeville, Fairfield, White Plains, Bronxville, and various towns outside Westchester County. They came to the Jarden Westchester Kids’ Triathlon for one reason: to win.

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On September 24, 151 challenged and able-bodied 7 to 10-year-olds completed a 75-yard swim, two-mile bike, and one-mile run, and the 114 11 to 14-year-olds endured a 150-yard swim, 4-mile bike, and 1-mile run. At the end of the day, while everyone receives a medal, the accomplishment each participant feels is well-deserved pride.

“It’s fun, it’s a good thing to do, and you get to win,” said 9-year-old Rye resident Cailee Formon.

From the start, the Kids’ Triathlon has become a way for young people to challenge themselves and to get involved with the charities being sponsored.

After watching a video of the 1994 Iron Man, Jonathan Guiza, a 13-year-old Fairfield resident, was inspired to do five triathlons in a span of two years. He finished ninth this year, not second as he’d hoped. He said philosophically, “You train and work harder for the race to be a success. It’s hard; it’s independent. But if you win, it’s better.”

The top finishers in the older group were Gabriele Giotto, Patrick Daly, Tyler Kenny, Kaitlyn Lange, and Marius Collin.

In the 7 to 10 division, Pablo Collin, Ryan Maierle, Michael Cotter, Colin Cotter, and Shea Gordon finished in the top five. Charlotte Bingert, Rachel Adelson, and Mia Clingham were the top three girls.

Rye resident Rachel Adelson, who came in second this year but won last year’s girls’ triathlon said, “I love to run, I’m on the swim team. I love all sports.”

Triathlete Hervin Long of Pound Ridge, Sustainability Coordinator at the Westchester Triathlon the last five years, summed it up best. “I love watching the little kids cross the finish line. It’s the coolest race to see.”

The Meek & the Mighty race took the same place, featuring first-timers of all ages and abilities.

— Photos by Melanie Cane