Back Mountain Triathlon weekend kicks off with Kids Fun Run

HARVEYS LAKE — They might not be ready to tackle a full triathlon just yet, but a group of young competitors showcased Saturday that they’re certainly off on the right foot.

One day before the Back Mountain Triathlon blazes a trail through the area, over 30 children ranging in age from six to 14 years old hit the pavement for the first Kids Fun Run at Lake Noxen Elementary School.

Kicking off triathlon weekend in style, the Fun Run was organized by Lake-Lehman senior Mollie Kuhar as part of her Senior Project.

Kuhar had herself a busy Saturday: after assisting with check-ins and registration, Kuhar blew the horn to send off each of the three waves of runners, and was waiting at the finish line with medals for the top finishers and a ribbon for each participant.

“It’s a mix of nervousness and excitement,” Kuhar said before the start of the event. “I’m very thankful for everyone that’s here.”

Several members of the Triathlon Committee were there Saturday to lend a hand and some encouragement to Kuhar, as well as to cheer on the group of runners as they made their way around the course.

The run was broken into three age groups: the 6-8 year olds went off first, completing a half-mile lap around a course that started in the elementary school parking lot, wrapped around the Little League fields and ended up back at the parking lot.

The 9-11 year olds completed two laps, and the 12-14 group did three laps to finish.

Plenty of the young athletes had familial ties to the Back Mountain Triathlon, including 11-year-old Ryder Adamshick, who cruised to a first-place finish in her age bracket.

Ryder’s mother, Kelly Adamshick, is a veteran of the sport and finished third overall among female competitors in last year’s Back Mountain Triathlon.

“It’s fun watching her, she likes to run,” Adamshick said, referring to Ryder while she caught her breath from the run.

Cash Harrison is taking it one step further: after taking first place in the 12-14 year old age division, Harrison said that his weekend wasn’t done yet — he’d be taking part in the relay race portion of the Back Mountain Triathlon on Sunday with his parents.

Harrison seemed a bit more skeptical when asked if a full triathlon was in his future.

“I’m not the biggest swimmer,” he said.

Lucas Yeager was the afternoon’s first winner, taking the gold medal in the 8-10 year old age division.

For the crowd gathered at Lake Noxen Elementary to spectate, Kuhar also organized a bake sale and a basket raffle to serve as fundraisers.

Proceeds generated from the Kids Fun Run will go toward the Luzerne County Children’s Advocacy Center, a nonprofit chosen by Kuhar.