Jul 14, 2015 By Eleanor Bailey 3 min read

Kristi Webb’s life revolves around triathlons. In addition to her responsibilities as a Habitat For Humanity board member, she directs the Kids Triathlon to be held July 18 at the South Park Wave Pool. Plus, she’s married to a man who participates in Ironman competitions.

“I do a little bit of everything,” explained Webb, who ran cross-country and participated in track and field at Thomas Jefferson High School. “For me, athletics and fitness have stayed with me throughout adulthood. One way or another, most of the things I do are wrapped around triathlon,” she added enthusiastically.

On July 18, Webb will be engulfed in making sure things run smoothly at the South Park Wave Pool. In its 15th year as a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity, the Kids Triathlon attracts more than 100 participants, ages 7-12. The youngest contestants, ages 7-9, swim 50 meters (one lap) across the wave pool, bicycle one mile and run .5 miles. For ages 10-12, the distances are doubled.

“It is always a challenge to put three events together,” said Webb. But she noted that, as always, it’s exciting to see the proud faces of each athlete as they cross the finish line. “It is rewarding to see these young athletes develop confidence that they will carry with them forever.”

Because it is a fundraising event for Habitat for Humanity, the sense of doing something for the betterment of society also sticks with the children. Helping the community, says Webb, is the main idea behind the race.

“It is also rewarding to see them take an interest in Habitat for Humanity,” Webb said of the athletes. “I love that they get this exposure at a young age.”

In kind, the athletes are exposed to inspiration and compassion from more than 100 volunteers, who help them negotiate through the competition. According to Webb, they do an outstanding job of encouraging them to do their best and ensuring that each athlete is safely guided along the course.

Unless it is lightning, the race will be held rain or shine. Since participants may arrive as early as 7 to set up their transition zones for a competition that begins at 8 a.m. some of the biggest challenges facing the contestants are exhaustion and climate. Conditions in mid-July typically are hot and humid. Hence, hydration is critical for the competitors.

“Making sure they stay hydrated is the biggest challenge,” said Webb. “And, we will have water ready for them,” she assured.

As the longest-running kids triathlon in the area, Habitat for Humanity is thrilled to be celebrating the ongoing support of the athletes, parents and volunteers. “We are grateful that the community continues to come together to support our important mission through this race,” Webb said. She also noted the generosity of the event’s sponsors and how their support directly impacts the local community.

“This race if fun for the athletes and good for our community,” Webb said. “We think that is very exciting,” she enthused.

NOTES: Same-day registration for the South Park race will be accepted. Helmets and bikes are required for all athletes.

Registration is currently being accepted online at www.pittsburghhabitat.org for the North Park race to be held Aug. 15. Ages 7-15 are eligible. Distances vary between 50 and 400 meters for the swim, 1.5 to seven miles on the bike and 0.5 to two miles for the run.

Email ccadman@pittsburghhabit.org or call 412-351-0512 ext. 18 for more details.