By Amy Batista, Special Writer
Video streaming by Ustream
HIGHTSTOWN — The next generation of triathletes gathered at Peddie School in front of the Aquatic Center for the fourth annual Kids Triathlon on Sept. 23.
Earlier in the day, the fifth annual adult race took place.
According to Beth Bright, race director, there were 144 competitors this year.
”Many kids swim at least for recreation, ride bikes in the neighborhood and run around playing,” said Ms. Bright on Sept. 25.
She continued, “There are no tryouts, no cuts, no bench sitters, no complex skills to master — just kids doing the things that kids do. Participants of all abilities can compete in the same event. The ‘playing’ field is level.”
This year the decision was made to change the location of the Kids Triathlon to Peddie School.
”We thought that more kids would be interested in trying the race if the swim was in the pool rather than (Peddie) Lake,” Ms. Bright said.
As for the competition, for the 10 and under group, there was a 100-yard swim, a 2-mile bike race, and a .75-mile run. For youngsters 11 and older, there was a 200-yard swim, a 4-mile bike ride, and a 1.5-mile run.
”The swim was a serpentine course beginning in one lane and changing lanes after each length. The bike course was (held on) Etra Road, South Main, East Ward (and) back to Etra Road — once for the younger kids, twice for the older kids. The run was in and around the outdoor turf and back fields with the finish on the track.”
Kaila Scarpa, 8, of Rumson, placed third in the “Top 3 Female Finishers” for youngsters 10 or older — and sixth overall in that same age group.
”It’s tiring,” said Kaila, who competed this year for the first time. “In the beginning, in the pool, there was just one girl ahead of me, and I did my best — and I passed her . . . It was just really exciting.”
”Biking is my favorite,” said Kaitlyn Cawley, 9, of Monroe.
Said mom Stephanie Cawley, of Monroe, “It’s a lot of work to do this for all the families.”
”I was smiling the whole time,” said Katharine Gazaleh, 11, of East Windsor.
”I’m proud of myself because I tried my best and that’s really all that you can do,” said Allyn Bright, 12, of Hightstown, who has been competing for several years. “I’m just happy that I had lots of people supporting me.”
”It’s fun — but you get tired after awhile,” said Ryan Morris, 11, of Millstone.
”It was hard but it was my best effort,” said Emma Morris, 8, of Millstone.
Emma and Ryan’s uncle, Jason Butch, of Manalapan, was there to cheer them on after competing in the adult race. He placed first in the Men’s Division and first overall.
”I was a former collegiate swimmer,” Mr. Butch said.
”I have a supportive wife who allows me to train with two young children,” Mr. Butch said. “I train about seven hours a week.”
He continued, “It was a fun, family atmosphere. No pressure.”
”We raised approximately $15,000 this year,” said Pat Duncan, a Triathlon Committee member and the Parks and Recreation Commission chair.
He gave credit to the event’s volunteers as well as to the coordination of the Hightstown Police Department, Hightstown Engine Co No. 1, Hightstown First Aid Squad, and Public Works.

