Triumph Through Teamwork: The Fawn Lake Family Triathlon

Photo Credit: Karen Presecan Photography

Tough Mudder. Ironman. The Murph Challenge. America is no stranger to competitions, from athletic to intellectual and everything in between; we even celebrate our nation's birthday with a hotdog-eating competition. We're well-versed in the requirements of marathons and triathlons, too, where participants continue to push themselves to their mental and physical limits— it's not a new concept. 

Our region presents various opportunities to partake in races as well, from the Army 10-Miler to the Marine Corps Marathon and the Historic Half Marathon, but one local event does stand out among the competition: The Fawn Lake Triathlon. 

What sets this annual event-- now celebrating its 15th year-- apart from others is its family focus.

"Our vision for the Triathlon is for it to be a family experience," said Race Director Jeff Kramer. "Breaking away from the routine of putting the kids in the car and driving to the field to sit in the stands and cheer. That is fine, but my dream is for the entire family to race."

Racing in a triathlon requires training for multiple weeks and even months, and our committeeJeff and other volunteers hope that the "families who train together stay together."

While the event won't occur until August 25 this year, the bonds families make during their training regimens become just as meaningful as the race itself.

"The race doesn't start on August 25," Jeff explained. "It starts weeks ahead of time with family bike rides, swim days, and even family jogs— each member encouraging others to get ready for race day."

"Competing in Triathlons had always been an interest of mine, but raising four young kids had somewhat kept my triathlon goals on the back burner," participant Dustin Beall explained. "When I heard about the Fawn Lake Triathlon, I suspected it would be a fantastic opportunity to participate in an event that is not only conveniently close to home, but also would bring the family together both for summer' training' sessions and race day."

Dustin, along with his oldest children Alayna (13), Reagan (11), and James (9), competed for the first time last year, and "Man, it did not disappoint!" 

"I presumed the event would be well-run, which it was," Dustin explained, "but the coolest thing about the Fawn Lake Triathlon experience was having the opportunity to compete myself and then getting to cheer on each of my kids."

"As parents, we are familiar with driving our kids around to their sports practices and games and proudly cheering for them. Some of us even make time to compete in our own competitions like marathons or other races," Dustin continued. "But it is a rare occurrence to be able to train, compete, and celebrate each other's accomplishments as a family, together, in the same event."

"I've grown up in the Fawn Lake community since I was seven," said Amy Huesgen. Over the years, I've watched my father participate in numerous running and triathlon events, which he still does today. She explained that he signed up for the first Fawn Lake Triathlon in 2009.

"Since then, the Fawn Lake Triathlon has become a cherished family event. My sisters and I have joined in over the years, making it a true family tradition. We may participate in races all over the country, but there's something special about being able to train and compete right in our own neighborhood," Amy said. Two years ago, the family had its third generation of participants, as Amy's son Brady was old enough to participate. 

"He had been swimming for the Fawn Lake Swim team all summer, so he was well-prepared. And just like the rest of us, he absolutely loved the experience," Amy Huesgen said. "I love how the triathlon teaches kids to encourage one another, try their hardest, and believe that anything is possible!"

It's possible to do a great deal of good with their efforts, as the event benefits numerous charities across the area and relies heavily on community volunteers, as it attracts outstanding athletes from all over the DMV. 

Over 100 volunteers from the community come together to support the event. Volunteers ensure safety throughout the numerous courses (pool, lake, biking, and running), direct people as parking crews, serve on registration and hospitality teams, and much more. 

"We have no paid staff," Jeff Kramer explained. "One hundred percent of our race proceeds (after expenses) go to our chosen charities. The race has become a marquee event on the Fawn Lake calendar."

"Last year, the Triathlon was able to donate $30,000 to the Families of the Wounded Fund, which serves wounded veteran families in Central Virginia," explained Beth Thompson. "This year, the beneficiaries will include the Families of the Wounded Fund, The Brisben Center, Micah Ministries, The Wilderness Food Pantry, and Squishy Face Crew (an animal rescue organization). The Triathlon benefits the entire community on so many levels."

There are various levels of participation in the event, too, as it consists of four races: an adult race (15+), two youth races (6-11 years old and 10-15 years old), and an adult three-person relay. All four races involve swimming, biking, and running in the beautiful Fawn Lake community. 

"We will host 250 participants and 100+ community volunteers," explained Jeff. "Our race is even included in USA Traithlon's VA/MD Summer Youth Series, which attracts many of the finest young triathletes in the region."

The family aspect is the heart of the race, and the entire Fawn Lake family contributes to its success, especially the pickleball lovers who reside in the community. 

"We joke that, without the pickleball community, the race would be severely understaffed," Jeff laughed. "And on race day, the always full courts are a ghost town."  The team gives all to the cause and credits their Fawn Lake family as well as "Fawn Lake Legend Bob Stumpf," who was "the steady hand for years that helped the Triathlon to become what it is today."

"I have been a race director for almost 45 years," Jeff explained. "Putting a successful Triathlon together requires multiple forces to come together. You need a great, safe, and beautiful place to swim, bike, and run. You need a community willing to hand over that area for a full day. You need generous local businesses to help foot the bill. Lastly, you need a huge volunteer focus providing directions, race management, refreshments, security, and safety."

"At Fawn Lake, we have all that in spades: a great lake, rolling hills bike course, then a shady and interesting run course," Jeff continued. The event also requires the cooperation of the Fawn Lake Community Administration Team and the Fawn Lake Country Club Staff. 

"All of those factors coming together is what makes the Fawn Lake Triathlon a special event," Jeff said. "You will find the racers and volunteers both working together and both having fun."

"We love the Triathlon because it allows our family to compete and finish a tough race without having to leave home," explained Chris Yurasko, who competes along with his older children, Jonathan(12), Elizabeth (9), and Zachary (7). "It allows the kids to put their swimming, bike riding, and running skills to the test and, most importantly, sets a bar for a lifetime of fitness and activity."

The race activities and festivities culminate with an awards ceremony and a pizza party, and everyone celebrates their accomplishments together as a true community. This year, the committee is adding an extra special category to the awards: a "Fastest Family" Award. 

No matter who stands atop the podium post-race, the real winners are the incredible individuals who participate, plan, and execute this event, adding more cherished memories each successive year.

"The entire Beall family– including my wife, Amanda, who is running in the adult relay– hopes to participate in the Fawn Lake Triathlon for years to come," said Dustin. "And we are incredibly grateful to the Triathlon Committee and all of the other volunteers that make this special event possible. It's even better knowing that the fun funds great causes and helps our community."

Amy Huesgen echoed those same sentiments.

"It's where we gather as a family to challenge ourselves, support one another, and create lasting memories," she said. "The Fawn Lake Triathlon has become an integral part of our family's story, and we wouldn't have it any other way. We're so grateful to be a part of a community that prioritizes active, healthy lifestyles and provides a platform for events like this that bring everyone together," Amy continued. 

"The Fawn Lake Triathlon is more than just a race– it's a celebration of the vibrant, supportive place we're lucky enough to call home."

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The 15th Annual Fawn Lake Adult Spring and Youth Triathlon will take place on Sunday, August 25, 2024, in the community of Fawn Lake, beginning at 7:30 a.m. For more information, see trisignup.com/Race/VA/Spotsylvania/FawnLakeTri.