It was a chilly 31 degrees when 22 Tri-Kids, coaches, parents and grandparents kicked off the 2015 season by competing in the Athens Jaycees 5K run in Watkinsville. In true Tri-Kids tradition everyone finished, however, not only did everyone finish but more than half of the team finished in the top three of their age group.

The following runners hit the podium before going back on the course to cheer in their teammates, mothers and grandmothers: Ysaias Sumpter (first), Kosi Sumpter (first), Melody Davis (first), Kzon Dennis (second), David Dewitt (second), Ta-Tianna Dewitt (second), Kirsten Reese (third), Dasiania Bell (third), Divad Dewitt (third), Coach Steve (third) and Coach Bill (third).

In addition, 10-year-old, Arkiyus Wright finished fourth and made the time standard to qualify for the HITS Triathlon Championship in La Quinta, Calif., while Amber Devereaux and Daijah Moon had their personal best 5K times.

Congratulations to Tri-Kids DIVAs Rhonda Sumpter, Shawanda Rhodes, Kenisha Davis, Shanta Mathis, Jacqueline Evans and Loretta Moon for their inspiring finishes.

The team now looks forward to two months of workouts before their next event, the UGA Triathlon, on April 12. In addition, the Sumpter brothers, Bell, Davis and David Dewitt are in training for the St. Anthony’s triathlon in St. Petersburg, Fla. on April 26, This event includes a one-mile swim in the Gulf of Mexico a 25-mile bike ride and a six-mile run.