COEUR d'ALENE - Jose Winton galloped through City Park like a seasoned pro.

Far ahead of the pack, his red shoes flashing with every stride, the speedy 13-year-old sprinted across the finish line at the Coeur d'Alene Youth Triathlon.

He won his age group by a wide margin.

"It went excellent," said the young triathlete from Coeur d'Alene. "Fast transitions. That's what I liked about it."

The 20th annual race drew about 300 competitors on Sunday morning. Anywhere from 5 to 14 years old, the racers swam in Lake Coeur d'Alene, biked along the Centennial Trail and ran a short road course.

Distances varied, but the longest event (ages 13-14) covered about 6 miles altogether.

"I think it's just fun being active," said 13-year-old Aubrey Williams, of Spokane.

Aubrey's mom, Jessica Fitzpatrick, an experienced triathlete with Spokane's Team Blaze, jogged alongside her daughter during the race.

"The run's the hard part. You get to the finish, and you've got to really dig deep," Fitzpatrick said. "It's awesome. I love watching all of the kids do it."

About 300 youngsters participated in this year's triathlon. Some of the smallest kids, the 5 or 6 year-olds, wore flotation devices for safety during the 30-yard swim.

Volunteers stood on the beach and in the water, keeping watch over the swimmers. A crowd of parents and spectators gathered near the transition and finish areas.

"It was fun. It was hot, though," said 12-year-old Kate Matlosz of Sandpoint, one of the top finishers in her group. "I just like that (triathlon) is mixed. There's different things you can do."

According to Cynthia Taggart, founder of the Youth Triathlon, about 65 kids participated in the first event 20 years ago - including her own two children. Now the race is a popular summertime event, drawing young athletes from near and far.

"Everybody gets a medal, everybody gets a T-shirt - so everybody feels like a winner," Taggart said.