Thousands of athletes from around the world descended on Chicago this weekend, ready to test months of training at the country’s largest triathlon.
But as the first wave of competitors plunged into the crisp waters of Lake Michigan, some admitted they hadn’t gotten there on determination alone.
“I’m back because I want to continue getting better,” said Lilia Pierko, a rising fifth-grader from the West Loop. “Oh, and also because my mom and dad made me.”
The 10-year-old was one of hundreds of young athletes who kicked off Supertri Chicago Saturday morning on a course designed for younger competitors. After a shallow-water swim at Foster Beach, children bike and run along lakefront roads.
Kids ages 7 to 10 took off at 7 a.m., followed an hour later by those ages 11 to 14. The younger competitors swam 100 meters, then biked just over 2 miles and ran a little over half a mile. The older kids cover twice that distance.
Colin Hole said the hardest part comes after the swim, when the cool morning air hits his wet skin, making it difficult to warm up. Then there’s the possibility of cramping during the run and, of course, the fear of falling behind.
“I like to not think about beating everyone else, but about beating myself,” said Hole, 9, of Winnetka. “My goal is just to get at least a minute faster.”
His friend, Shaw Weinberg, had her own concerns ahead of Saturday’s race. After skipping the competition last year, the 9-year-old worried she might be out of practice.
But even after taking a few breaks during the run, Weinberg crossed the finish line ahead of more than half the kids in her age group. She called the race “amazing” and said she’ll definitely be back next year.
“Sometimes, I feel like I’m never going to make it,” said Weinberg, also from Winnetka. “So when I cross the finish line, I feel really proud.
Supertri Chicago generated millions of dollars for the city last year, and its corporate fundraising competition brought the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital more than $84,000 for pediatric cancer and blood disorder research. With participation growing each year, organizers say the event formerly known as the Chicago Triathlon is on track to become the largest triathlon in the world.
The race has certainly hooked Matthew Dundek, who was less nervous heading into this year’s competition than he was last year. The course is familiar now, he said, and he likes the satisfaction of watching his time improve.
“It feels very exciting,” said Dundek, 8, clutching his medal. “You just feel really proud of yourself.”
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