photos by David Halterman

With the entire world burning with Olympic fever, more than 60 young athletes made it out for the annual Iron Kids Triathalon on Saturday, hosted by the Durango Parks and Recreation Department. From 5 to 14 years old, particpants gave it their all as they swam, biked and ran for the gold under beautiful blue skies that they only dream about in Beijing, and on a course that would defeat many adults.

Sabina Tamburrino, 7, takes the last few strokes of her swim. A runner is reflected in a puddle as he makes his way to the finish. Athletes also had to contend with heavy pedestrian traffic during many portions of the race. A young runner looks off to her right to admire the trailside flowers as she puts one foot in front of the other. Andie Miller, 9, looks pasues for reflection as she waits in the pool for her age division to begin racing. A racer pedals under Main on their way back from Santa Rita park. Unlike the Olympics, every participant in this race got the gold. Parents watch from the sidelines as the 13-14-year-olds start their grueling run.