MARION (WSIL) -- Several dozen athletes were up before dawn Sunday morning to compete in the region's only indoor triathlon.
The 5th annual Tri-The-Hub took place at the HUB Recreational Center where racers swam, biked and ran in competitive heats.
HUB General Manager Chris Georgantas says it's now in memory of Dr. Charles Rubright who was the race director for the HUB's triathlon for two years before passing away.
Each year, the event attracts close to 60 individual athletes and several teams.
One of those athletes is 7th grade student Molly Robertson, who competed in the 10-14 age group.
This was her second year taking part in the triathlon and had her eye on finishing first or second place.
"I'd say the bike was harder than I thought," she said. "Running's my easiest, I should do fine."
Meanwhile, Sixto Linares was just one of out of a handful of athletes to compete in the 60 and over group.
He's no stranger to triathlons and touts 600 races under his belt.
Linares made his way down from Chicago to compete, "I drove all night, stopped once for gas, and that's it."
While he may traveled for the triathlon, most athletes were from right here in southern Illinois.
That includes RED, WHITE and BLUE team-member Amanda Lowery, who says it's less about the challenge and more about the community.
"Most of the time we're not competitive, but it's not about that, it's not about winning trophies," she adds. "It's just about getting out and being active and doing stuff together with our friends."
