For eight weeks they swam, cycled and sprinted together to prepare for an athletic challenge that would intimidate many adults.
But on Thursday, one-by-one, each of the 33 kids who committed to Lynbrook's Middle School Triathlon Training Program this summer crossed the finish line, earning medals and some serious bragging rights.
The program, directed by Kathleen Hannan and sponsored by Fly with the Owls, was open to Lynbrook residents entering Grade 6, 7 and 8. Since June, the group has been engaging in 90-minute training sessions at , where they hit the lap lanes, bike paths and running trails. And on their own time, they've been following USTA training schedules, provided by the program, to get ready for the Aug. 16 competition.
The race included a 400 meter swim, 5-mile bike ride and 1.5 mile run throughout Greis Park.
Sean Barrett finished first overall and Evelyn Boyle was the first female to cross the finish line, but every participant was celebrated as they completed the course with cheers and hugs from family and friends, medals, T-shirts and complimentary frozen yogurt provided by .
Click through the photo gallery above to see all the kids in action.
