Lauren Arakawa, 9, who says the swim is her favorite part of the event, won each of the four triathlons she entered this year.

Malia Harunaga, 13, finished second in the points race.

Lauren Arakawa, 9, dominated her age group throughout the series, finishing first in all of the races.

Arakawa, of Honolulu, said her inspiration comes from "seeing pictures of (her) parents, (Reggie and Becky Arakawa), competing in triathlons."

Arakawa, who said her favorite portion of the event is the swim, completed the course in 19 minutes, 21 seconds. Kalani Kayser, 10, of 'Ewa Beach, came in second at 19:50.

Shortly after the race, Kayser sought out Arakawa, offering congratulations and a handshake.

"She's a good competitor and did a great job," he said. "I feel very happy for Lauren, and I'm happy I won my age group."

Kayser, who has been participating in triathlons for one year, won the overall points championship for boys in his age group.

Cindy Kayser said her son participated in his first 5K run at the age of 6, and has also been active in soccer, basketball and lacrosse.

Kayser attributes his involvement in the three-sport event to his parents, Matt and Cindy, who also compete in triathlons.

Kayser	Masuda	Tupua

Jubilation was everywhere on race day, as Darren Masuda celebrated his 12th birthday with a third-place finish in 26:35.

Beverly Bernal-Masuda said her son's interest in the triathlon was sparked by seeing her participate in the Tinman Triathlon.

"He wanted to race Tinman the next year, but he wasn't old enough to enter," Bernal-Masuda said.

Malia Harunaga, 13, of Honolulu, finished second in the championship points series.

Race organizer Rick Varley said Harunaga started the season racing in the 11-to-12 age group, but moved up to the next division after turning 13 midway through the season. Despite the move up, Harunaga continued performing very well, Varley said.

At Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park, Harunaga finished first in her division, out-sprinting a competitor in the last 50 feet to the finish line to win by a second in 28:01.

Perhaps Ebony Tupua, a Makakilo Elementary second-grader, best embodied the spirit of sportsmanship. Despite finishing last in her age group, her finish brought a loud roar of cheers, applause and even tears of joy from the crowd.

"I wanted to see how well I could do," she said.

Tupua had another reason to compete, besides challenging her fitness abilities.

Saline Tupua said her daughter asked to enter the triathlon after learning about the work done by the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Hawai'i, which benefits from race proceeds.

"She has a big heart and wants to help other children in the best way she can," Saline Tupua said.

Ebony was pleased with her results.

"This was my first triathlon and I'm very happy I finished," she said. "I want to do this again."