Families across the region will flock to the shores of Lake Sammamish on June 5 to swim, bike and run in the 10th annual Issaquah Triathlon, Duathlon, 10K, 5K and Kid’s Triathlon. The races at Lake Sammamish State Park are fast becoming an Eastside family tradition.

“I originally encouraged my son to participate for the same reason I did for the first time at the age of 40 — to try a new challenge,” said Julie Kay Sheldon, who plans to compete again this year.

Her 12-year-old son, Sheldon T. Schatzman, has competed in the Kid’s Tri twice.

“The Issaquah Tri is very family focused,” she said.

“It gets everybody outdoors,” said Issaquah resident Dawn Proffitt-Schrag. She and her husband Barry and their two children, 14-year-old Katarina and 12-year-old Kennan, have competed in the Issaquah Tri several times. Three of them formed a team, “Schrags Tri Harder,” with each member taking a leg of the race — running, cycling and swimming. “I really enjoy how everyone encourages one another,” Profitt-Schrag said.

Organizer Mary O’Brien, owner of Arbor Schools, said that she wanted to make the triathlon an event that appealed to people no matter what their skill level. “So we’ve tailored the races to attract families, seasoned athletes and beginners,” she said.

And it’s working. Last year some 1,200 athletes competed, setting a new record for the event that funds classroom supplies, scholarships and sports education through the Eastside Montessori Education Foundation (EMEF).

Competitors can choose from a variety of races — the Sprint Distance Triathlon (running, swimming, cycling), Sprint Duathlon (cycling and running only), 5K and 10K Run/Walk, and the Kids Tri, tailored especially for children 6-12 years old.

For more information on the event, visit www.issaquahtri.com, email info@issaquahtri.com or call 425-392-3866.