What started as a backyard race for three children has become one of Newton's most heartwarming summer traditions.

A record 225 young athletes swam, biked and ran through Newton North High School on Thursday, July 23, during the ninth annual Schultz Family Kids Triathlon, an event that celebrates inclusion, perseverance and the memory of longtime Newton resident David Schultz.

The race is unlike most youth sporting events. Every child who finishes receives a medal. There are no podiums, no pressure to win, and an adaptive division welcomes athletes of all abilities, with no age limit.

"It's about confidence, not competition," race organizers said throughout the evening.

The event began as a family tradition in 2018, when David Schultz organized a mini triathlon for his three children during a vacation on Cape Cod. After Schultz died unexpectedly during a race the following year, Newton Parks & Recreation helped turn the idea into a community event that now draws hundreds of participants each summer.

"It was just our nine-year-old son and six-year-old twin daughters competing," Kelly Schultz said during this year's race. "Mark Kelly of Newton Parks & Rec knew about our little family triathlon and suggested making it a community-wide event to keep Dave's memory alive."

That vision has grown into an event powered by more than 75 volunteers and supported by Newton Parks & Recreation, Newton Athletes Unlimited, Newton Police, Newton Fire, Newton DPW and Max Performance Triathlon.

The adaptive division is what many families say makes the race special. Swimmers can use flotation devices with volunteers in the water beside them. Athletes can ride tricycles or stationary bikes if needed. Every participant completes the course in a way that works for them.

Tim Richmond, owner of Max Performance Triathlon, said all 225 athletes crossed the finish line this year, calling the event one of the most inclusive youth races in New England.

For many families, it's the atmosphere that keeps them coming back.

"People who don't even know each other, if someone's struggling, everyone's gonna run over and give them the encouragement that they need," volunteer Lucy Mazur-Warren said.

The celebration continued long after the finish line, with medals for every participant and Cabot's ice cream waiting at the end.

No date has been announced for the 2027 Schultz Family Kids Triathlon, but organizers say they plan to bring the event back to Newton North next summer.