SPARKS — Bleary-eyed, 12-year-old Erin O’Brien was less excited about the early morning workout than her father Steve.

“She owes me four bucks,” Steve explained before the start of Saturday’s Paddle, Pedal, Patter Triathlon at the Sparks Marina. “This is her payment. I wanted them (Erin and her brother) to get some exercise. They sit on the couch and play X-Box all day.”

Erin’s 16-year-old brother, who is too old to enter the event, was probably still in bed but yard work would be waiting for him, Steve said.

More than 100 youngsters participated in the annual triathlon. A number that is slightly down from previous years, said Tracy Domingues, recreation superintendent for the Sparks Parks and Recreation Department.

Six years ago, Domingues and her staff came up with the Paddle, Pedal, Patter Triathlon for children 12 years old and younger. Parents can participate for free by running or biking with their children. There is an $18 advance registration fee that guarantees each child a bronze medal, a shirt and other race souvenirs.

“We didn’t know of any event for this age group,” Domingues said. “We wanted to promote healthy physical activities for young children. The marina is a perfect venue. It’s safe with shallow water and a great bike route with no street closures. It’s all within the park so there’s no way to get lost.”

For the first leg of the event, participants have a choice of swimming, kayaking or “water walking” a distance of 75 yards along the marina’s central beach. Competitors then ride around the 1.8 mile trail around the marina on bicycles or any other human-powered wheels. Tricycles, roller blades and skate boards are allowed, race officials said.

A .2 mile run around the marina’s peninsula completes the triathlon. Medals were handed out at the finish line by recreation staff and former Miss Nevada Julianna Erdesz.

It was the fifth triathlon at the marina for Domingues’ 10-year-old son Colton and the third for his 7-year-old brother Hunter.

“It gives you energy and you have fun,” Colton said while showing off the new medal for his collection.

Aspiring Olympic swimmer Sam Wright, 11, won the triathlon for the second time. He came in first in the event two years ago and again on Saturday. He advised other young athletes to train hard, eat right and never give up.

“I’m on the Fernley Sharks swim team,” Wright said. “I also run and bike almost every day.”

After Saturday’s race, Erin said she was tired but pleased with herself for being the second girl across the finish line. She might be back next year to try for first place.