Kids & Family Triathlon great

The Canyon Lake Kids and Family Triathlon brought out families Saturday to run, bike and swim throughout Canyon Lake. Five kids and seven adults participated in the two events at Indian Beach and sponsored by The Canyon Lake Triathlon & Fitness Club.

The adult event began at 8:00 a.m. and lasted until about 11:00 a.m. The adult super sprint triathlon began with a quarter-mile swim, followed by a 10K bike ride and ending with a 1.5 mile run.

The kids’ triathlon began an hour later and included a swim around the buoys and a short run and bike ride. Five kids participated in the event.

All youths received a ribbon and were honored for their participation and completion of the event.

The adults who participated in this year’s triathlon were Matt Kivrizis, Christian Nielsen, Amy Gray, Karin Cassidy, Maria Kivrizis, Ernie Martinez  and Richard Gray.The tight-knit group has a reputation for being supportive of each other and although they can be competitive with themselves, they’re outspoken in their encouragement of each other.

All the young triathletes finished the triathlon and received medals for their accomplishment. Photo by Dawn Lutynski.

“This club wants to support wellness, and overall health,” club president Maria Kivrizis said. “The families who participated in the event cheered each other on, encouraging one another to finish, at whatever pace that meant. We have a great club because of our amazing club members. Some of us have known each other for years and others just recently, but nonetheless, we all support each other and welcome everyone.”

In addition to the 12 participants, several others were on hand as volunteers to assist in carrying out the events. Two young adults, Alex and Brendon, were on paddleboards for both the adult swim and the youth swim. One was keeping pace with the lead swimmers, while one made sure that even the last swimmer was safe all the way to completing the event.

Mike LaHood, one of the adult volunteers, said he wants people to know that there’s something for everyone in this club.

“You can pick what event you want to participate in,” he said. “You don’t have to do all three, you can choose one or two. You do what you can and we’ll support you.”

Ernie Martinez, 70, was the oldest participant in the event. He said he was overweight and had some pretty significant health issues before he joined the club. He joined the club because he said he always wanted to run a marathon. He joined the club, worked hard and successfully finished his first marathon

70-year-old Ernie Martinez finishes up his first triathlon while being encouraged by family and friends. Photo by Dawn Lutynski.

“If I can do it, anyone can,” Ernie said. “From the very beginning, everyone was friendly, welcoming and kept me inspired.  I might be last in the field, but I’m first in the hearts and minds of the super seniors over 70.”

Club president Maria participated in the Super Sprint Triathlon. She has been a part of the club for about 10 years and joined because she said she wanted to be active.

“I was intimidated at first to join, however, I was welcomed with open arms and I was always encouraged by the other members,” Maria said. “I took one step at a time pushing myself, and now I’m in training to do my third Ironman race in October in Sacramento. I started out with smaller events like this one, because I know that the bigger races can be overwhelming.”

The club was happy with the turn out and wants to encourage anyone and everyone to come out and participate, Maria said. “We welcome anyone and everyone to join in promoting wellness and overall health,” she said. “One step at a time, no judgments, just encouragement.”

Karin Cassidy exits the lake after finishing the swimming leg of the triathlon Saturday. Photo by Dawn Lutynski.

The Canyon Lake Triathlon & Fitness Club’s next event will be its 9th Annual Paddle & Pedal Regatta on Aug. 14 at Indian Beach. The entire community is invited to come out and have a fun day on the water.

The event is open to all non-motorized watercraft (paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, etc.) as well as open water swimmers. Following a group photo, those participating will head to East Port launch ramp and will head back to Indian bBeach.

Following the group paddle, there will be an Adult and Kids paddleboard race, a BBQ ($5 donation) and raffle.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to charity.

Another happy runner completes the kid’s triathlon. Photo provided by Maria Kivrizis

Amy Gray finishes the adult triathlon with the 1.5 mile run. Photo provided by Maria Kivrizis

The kids triathlon included a swim and short runs and bicycle rides.

Seven adults participated in the Kids and Family Triathlon Saturday, including the bike leg. Picture provided by Maria Kivrizis

All the young triathletes finished the triathlon and received medals for their accomplishment. Photo by Dawn Lutynski.

Young triathlete finishes the swimming portion of the Kids Triathlon. Photo by Dawn Lutynski.