Kennan Schrag is a running pro.

He’s participated in the Salmon Days Rotary Run, the Nordstrom Beat the Bridge run, has twice been in the Issaquah Triathlon, and is currently gearing up for a third shot. On top of that, he spends his free time playing soccer and, well, running.

And he’s only 11 years old.

“I just really like running, it’s one of my favorite sports,” he said. “It’s fun to be moving and it feels good.”

He’ll be doing just that next weekend when he and his family revive the “Schrags Try Harder” team for their third showing in the triathlon. Kennan’s father will be biking, his mother swimming, and he, of course, will take the run leg.

The race begins its ninth season with registration at 5:30 a.m., May 30 at Lake Sammamish State Park. Participants can also join the Kid’s Triathlon or the 5K/10K run.

The run benefits Arbor Montessori Schools, in Sammamish, and proceeds assist with scholarships, provide teacher education, and support the small school’s athletic program.

Dawn Schrag, Kennan’s mother, said more than 1,000 people are currently signed up for the triathlon, and the organization hopes to raise about $50,000.

“We’re really grateful to the people that keep coming out,” she said. “It’s one of our goals to be a fixture in the community for health and wellness, and activities families can do together.”

The event offers something for everyone, even people who may not be up for a full run, she said. Participants are welcome to walk the 5K/10K, and just coming out to watch is fun.

Kennan said he doesn’t need much training, and gets ready for the triathlon by running around with his friends at recess.

In the past, he took part in the Kid’s Triathlon, but this year he’s one of the very few children his age who’ve moved up to the big leagues — and it feels good.

“I really like it,” he grinned. “Not many others my age are in the adult race, so it’s fun.”

And he’s moving forward with a goal in mind: beat last year’s time of 20 minutes. Kennan said he gets faster every year, and so is sure he can do that.

As an added bonus, first, second and third-place finishers will be lauded with prizes. In the past, they’ve ranged anywhere from a pair of wetsuits to gift certificates at sports stores.

And this year, a medal will be handed out to all finishers.

Kennan has high hopes he and his family will do well in the race, and offered a piece of advice to other runners:

“The most important part, and hardest, I think, is just keeping a pace instead of just sprinting in the beginning,” he said.

He doesn’t walk any part of the race, but will slow his speed if he starts to feel tired.

And he encourages everyone to get involved with the triathlon; even those who’ve never done anything like it before.

“I feel proud at the end,” he said. “Sometimes it hurts, but I just feel like I have accomplished something.”

For more information, or to get involved with the race, go to www.issaquahtri.com.