Hundreds of locals showed up for Opelika's Sportsplex Kids Triathlon. Groups of children ages 6-15 all competed at different times and distances in each event.
Families were gathered in groups on the grass listening to music.
This was the fifth year that Sportsplex Kids Triathlon put on this event, with families and vendors having come consistently for all five years.
Nichole Carter, race director for all five years, ran the event like in the past.
"We usually have about 200 participate in our kid's triathlon, which is ages 6-15, and it is competitive in time," Carter said. "Then we have a small-fry event for 2-5-year-olds, and it is not competitive, just for fun."
Events like this rely on sponsors, and Auburn and Opelika businesses such as Pet Palace and Academy participated in sponsorships. The sponsors range from Pet Palace to Orange Theory. Many of them have been coming to the event since it first started five years ago.
Scott Larkin, who ran the Orange Theory tent, said he enjoyed his first year being at the triathlon.
"It's great, it has been a lot of fun cheering the kids on as they crossed the finish line," Larkin said.
Richard Scott with Marco's Pizza has been attending this event for five years now.
"It is a good community event, and something we really enjoy being apart of," Scott said.
All vendors agreed that events like the triathlon promote a strong community and make people feel welcome.
Trace and Cassie Hamiter, whose four kids competed in the races, said they have attended the event for all five years. They also said they have seen first-hand how consistent the attendance has been.
"This is a great opportunity that they don't have usually in most towns," Trace said.
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