Abby Kauffman couldn’t stand to be left on the sidelines.
A year ago, the Brier girl watched as her older brother Sean competed in PCC Natural Markets Kids Triathlon at Seafair. Kauffman’s parents Kim and Jeff also competed in the Benaroya Research Institute’s Triathlon.
Though she wanted to join in on the fun, Abby wasn’t old enough at the time. If she wanted to, she could take part next year, Abby’s parents told her.
A year later, that is exactly what she did.
Abby, 6, was the youngest competitor in the dasher division of the kids triathlon on July 20 at Seward Park in Seattle.
“She was excited to get a chance to be in her first triathlon,” Kim said.
The event consisted of 100 yards of swimming, a 1-mile bike ride and concludes with a .4 mile run.
“It was really fun,” Abby said. “My whole family got to do it.
“I like to swim. I love to bike and I like to run.”
This was the second year Kim and Jeff competed in the sprint distance triathlon, which consisted of a half-mile swim, a 12-mile bike ride and a 3.1 mile run.
Proceeds of the event went to support the Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason. The institute is focused on the causes and cures for a variety of diseases including diabetes, arthritis, heart disease and cancer.
This also was the second time Sean, 8, competed in the kids triathlon.
“It’s fun and a healthy way to stay active and to support a good cause,” Kim said.
As for 2009, Abby knows where the Kauffman family will be.
“Our whole family will do it next year too,” Abby said.
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