Saturday’s youth triathlon at the Bainbridge-Decatur County YMCA drew youngsters ranging in age from eight to 18 competing in swimming, biking and running.

The top overall male and female finishers in the 11 to 14-year-old senior division were Michael Ryan in a time of 19:44 and Mesey Tabb in a time of 19:48.

Crystal Carvajal captured second place in the 11 to 14-year-old senior female division in a time of 34:08

First place in the 4 to 6-year-old male “munchkin” division was Eion Turner with a time of 9:12.

Finishing first through fifth in the seven to 10-year-old junior male division were Drew Ryan in a time of 11:52, Landon Harrell in a time of 13:11, Owen Earnest in a time of 13:45, Brandon Carvajal in a time of 16:03 and Carden Mayhew in a time of 17:00.

YMCA fitness director Kathy Bell said the triathlon was very important to the health and fitness of all the young participants.

“We introduced the youngsters to competitive events outside the soccer fields and basketball courts,” Bell said. “Exercises like swimming, biking and running are very important to their health.”

Bell also applauded the great support Y members and volunteers have for events put on throughout the year.

“Our great volunteer base, who were out in force Saturday, allow us to offer these events and exercises to our local youth.”

The youth triathlon is just another event that accomplishes the YMCA goal of bringing families together, Bell said.

“I was very pleased with the turnout and so excited to see the families cheer for their kids and the other kids,” Bell said. “At the YMCA, we are all about the family and we accomplished what we set out to do. The triathlon events are very important to us in growing our youth programs.”

Bell said the Y planned to have another youth triathlon next spring.