SANDPOINT — Donning bright neon swim caps, nearly 200 kids raced through City Beach on Friday at the Peak 7B Youth Triathlon, where determined young athletes cheered one another on as they swam, biked, and ran their way to the finish line. 

Among the young competitors was 8-year-old Hannah Owens. 

Hannah's family held handmade signs in her honor. One, embellished with sparking letters, read: "I got 99 problems but this tri ain't one." 

The race had been a long time coming for Hannah. 

"It's all she's talked about for a year," said her mother, Kelly Owens. 

Last summer, Hannah and her family were visiting Sandpoint from Spokane for a beach day when she spotted young participants from the race competing in the triathlon. From that moment on, she knew she wanted to race in it herself. 

On Friday, she swapped her spot on the sideline for a place in the race, sporting a pair of purple heart-shaped googles as she swam across the lake. 

"She's been swimming since she was 2, loves to ride her bike, so I just knew she could do it," said Owens. 

Event organizer Joel Aispuro spoke words of encouragement into a microphone as he led youth through different stretches before they set out for the multisport race. 

"The whole idea is to bring families together," said Aispuro. 

Although the event's $20 registration fee helps keep it accessible for families, Aispiro said hosting a triathlon is an expensive undertaking. 

"It costs a lot of money to put this on, like, almost $15,000," said Aispuro. 

However, with the community's support, the Aispuros continue to bring their vision to life. Local nonprofits and businesses alike work together to ensure a memorable family activity. 

"Everything is donation based," said Aispuro. "Without them, this wouldn't be possible." 

The event's origins took root four years ago, when Auspiro's wife, Moriah Aispiro, competed in a triathlon to get back into shape after her ACL surgery. 

Inspired by their mother's experience, the Aispuros' children asked if they could compete in a triathlon of their own. With no local options for kids, the couple decided to create one. 

What started with a small handful of families within the Aispuro's friend group grew into a community event, even bringing youth from across the region and across the border in Canada to City Beach. 

The event began with a speech and safety talk, followed by a prayer and the national anthem before youth headed to the start line. 

Competitors took part in one of two races, the sprint or the mini sprint — each distinguished by distance. 

At the sound of a horn, kids dashed into the beach to begin the first section of the race. Carefully monitored by volunteers stationed throughout the water, the children paddled their way across the swimming route back to shore. 

From there, athletes transitioned to the bike section of the race, trading their swim caps for helmets before pedaling around City Beach. 

The final transition sent youth on a run course, some with parents jogging alongside them, before they pushed through the last leg across the finish line. 

Cowbells and cheers rang out as Hannah crossed the finish line as family congratulated her for a job well done. 

With a medal draped over her neck and a beaming smile, Hannah acknowledged the work it took to prepare. 

"I biked around my neighborhood, and I ran around my neighborhood," said Hannah. 

Despite finishing the grueling course, Hannah finished the race wanting one thing: another lap in the water.

    Hannah Owens, 8, swims during the 7B Youth Triathlon.
  

    Young competitors smile before swimming at the 7B Youth Triathlon.
  

    Hannah Owens and her family smile for a photo at the 7B Youth Triathlon.
  

    Event organizer Joel Aispuro shows youth different stretches at the 7B Youth Triathlon.