After tackling the Pittsburgh Kids Marathon in May, a group of Shaler Area and Pine-Richland students steeled themselves for another challenge.

More than two dozen students began preparing in June for the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh’s annual youth triathlon, which was held July 19 at North Park in McCandless.

A fundraiser for the Habitat for Humanity chapter, the youth triathlon is for children ages 7 to 15.

Many of the Shaler students had taken part in the Kids of Steel program, under the guidance of Shaler Area Elementary School teacher Kelly Himes, which culminated in the 1.2-mile kids marathon on May 3.

“Our running season exceeded my expectations in the way of participation and progress made among the runners. We ended on a very positive note, and the kids were eager to take on a new challenge,” said Himes, a fourth grade teacher who has overseen the Kids of Steel program for four years. “The outpouring of interest and motivation among my group of kids to face this challenge and train for the kids race was incredible.”

For many of the students, it was their first triathlon — swimming, biking and running.

They held four practices for the triathletes, which included two bike-run transition practices at Shaler Area Elementary School and two swim transition practices at Crawford Pool at Kiwanis Park in Shaler.

Some of their practices were brutally hot, with real-feel temperatures in the mid-90s.

“Despite the extreme heat and added demands, the kids eagerly met the challenges,” she said. “My assistant coaches, Mike Barber, Kevin Luksik, Allyson Rust, and I were blown away by their enthusiasm, willingness to try something new and drive to improve each and every week.”

Himes said they discussed how the weather the day of the race could be similar, and that practicing in the heat would help prepare them for the challenge.

“It makes it harder but you never know what race day weather will be like,” she said. “The race is in the middle of summer so the athletes have to learn to battle through the added fatigue and dehydration the heat and humidity create.”

Himes said one Shaler Area Elementary student, Maura Rizzo, 11, was initially cycling with training wheels and planned to only come to practices just to be a part of it.

“After our first practice, she was determined to get her training wheels off. She practiced almost every day,” Himes said. “She finally can ride without wheels. After our third practice, Maura decided to sign up for the race.”

Himes said the race day participation and excitement from the athletes was unlike anything she and her coaches had seen before.

“Every one of our triathletes teemed with excitement, cheered on their teammates and found strength from the camaraderie within the group of 29 athletes who trained for this event,” Himes said. “The day was filled with smiles, overcoming obstacles and accomplishment as they eagerly crossed the finish line. The coaches, parents and supporters burst with pride while watching all of these kids compete and accomplish an amazing challenge.”

The 2026 youth triathlon is scheduled for July 18 at North Park. To register and for additional details about the triathlon, visit habitatyouthtri.org.

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