Decorah kids compete at 2011 Ironkids Triathlon

(Left to right): Charlie Robinson, Jacob Pipho, Sam Robinson and Cael Luzum try to stay warm before the start of the race.

Several Decorah kids took part in the 2011 Ironkids Triathlon National Championships in Des Moines over the weekend.

7-year-old Jacob Pipho placed 23rd in the 6- to 8-year-old boys competition, in which the kids ran 500 yards, biked 2 miles and ran 500 yards.  8-year-old Charlie Robinson of Decorah placed 40th in the same division.

10-year-old Sam Robinson placed 45th in the 9- to 11-year-old boys competition, in which the kids ran one mile, biked 4 miles and ran 1 mile.  9-year-old Cael Luzum's timing chip did not work, so he is still waiting to get his official time and finishing place results.

The swimming portion of all events was switched to running because of cold temperatures.  The Decorah kids all are good swimmers, so it was a disappointment to them that the race was changed to a run, bike, run format.

Sam and Charlie Robinson, Cael Luzum and Jacob Pipho all qualified for the US Championships by finishing in the top five of their age groups at the HyVee Ironkids Triathlon in Rochester, Minnesota in July.

The Ironkids Triathlon was a national event, so it was extremely competitive, with almost 1,200 kids qualifying.

All of the Decorah boys say that they'd like to participate in more triathlons next year with hopes of qualifying for nationals again.

Cael Luzum transitioning onto his bike.

Charlie Robinson with other 8-year-olds getting ready for the start of the race.