Annual triathlon race in St. Petersburg raises money for health programs at St. Anthony’s Hospital

“It’s really interesting because we have professional triathletes out here who actually do this for a living, “explained Director of Oncology for Baycare Health, Tim McMahon. “But most of what you see are the weekend warriors and those individuals that have day jobs, but they still go out, and they still swim, find time to run, bike, and they find time to come here on a Sunday morning at five in the morning to jump in the water to start this triathlon.”

For six of the Waechter siblings, who’ve all competed in triathlons individually, tackling this one was a family affair as they did it together for the first time.

“There’s nine siblings total, and every year we get a little bit bigger group together,” Joe Waechter told FOX 13 News. “We’re all born and raised in St. Pete and we’re a local home-grown family. St. Anthony’s has always been a huge part of our community.”

Even though some racers didn’t have their loved ones on the course with them, they were overwhelmed with joy to see their children, spouses, parents and biggest supporters cheering them on along the way.

The Triathlon was voted the second-best triathlon in the United States in a USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Award contest earlier this year. Proceeds will go towards health programs at St. Anthony’s hospital.