A morning of race, memory, and grilled cheese
Sunrise on Sunday in Bedford saw the community pool bustling with activity. Children and their families filled the air with laughter and encouragement. The Friends of Aine Kids' Try-Athlon kicked off with a wave of excitement at 8 a.m. Dozens of young athletes from 4 to 15 years old took to the pool. This was the first leg of a race designed to honor an 8-year-old girl. She passed away over a decade ago. The event combined swimming, biking, and running. It offered a mix of competition and community spirit.
Lara Gresens Quiroga, one of the organization's board secretaries, stood behind a grill. She carefully prepared hot grilled cheese sandwiches. She handed them out after the race. This was no small task. Hundreds of participants would need post-race refueling. But the sandwiches were more than just comfort food. They were a symbol of the mission. The event was held in memory of Aine Marie Phillips. Her parents founded the nonprofit to address the needs of grieving families. Aine had died in August 2010 due to a rare lung disease. Her parents, Christine and David Phillips, used their personal loss to build a support system for others. Friends of Aine remains the only group of its kind in New Hampshire. It offers free peer-led grief support to children and families.
From first-time racers to seasoned triathletes
Bicycles of all sizes were lined up at the pool’s staging area. Young competitors transitioned from the swim to the cycling portion. Some bikes still had training wheels. This reflected the variety of ages and abilities taking part. Among the participants was 13-year-old Ella Hollingworth. She had already completed the race seven times before. For her, this year's event marked her eighth time competing. Still, the excitement of the race had not worn off. “I have a side-stitch though,” she said. She was clutching her right side with a grimace. But through the pain, she smiled and added, “It’s lots of fun and it’s for a really good cause.”
On the boys’ side, 15-year-old David Gray took the lead in the 11–15 age group, finishing with a time of 15 minutes and 22 seconds. Barely behind him was his twin brother, Jordan Gray, who was just 11 seconds slower. Nathaniel Gray, the younger of the two twins at 13 years old, said the race wasn’t just a test of speed. “I needed to beat my twin brother,” he said with a grin. Nathaniel, who plays soccer and track, also saw the race as a summer fitness challenge. “You get to use your energy in a good way.”
Volunteers and families keep the cause alive
The event, which usually draws around 300 participants, is made possible by a large group of volunteers. Many of them are local families and community members. Among the volunteers, Bedford High School football players helped manage the transition zones. Competitors switched from swimming to cycling. Tigran Mandalian, one of the organizers, said, “We want to serve our community.” Another volunteer, Jaime Nadeau, echoed the sentiment. He asked, “How can you not want to help?” Nadeau added that it was all about supporting a cause. The cause made a real difference in people’s lives.
Linda Dinndorf, director of strategic initiatives at Friends of Aine, was one of the many volunteers in action throughout the morning, managing the pool area where hundreds of children waited their turn. “This is my favorite event of the entire year,” she said. “There is nothing like seeing young children compete in an event that's swimming, biking, and running.” The center offers services to about 130 to 150 families each week. All of these services are free, which would not be possible without community support. “We are the only organization in New Hampshire that focuses on this kind of work,” Dinndorf said. “We serve kids from 4 up to young adults in their mid-20s and their families.”
The race was more than just a fundraiser. It was a celebration of Aine’s life and the sports she loved—swimming, running, and biking. It also served as a reminder of how her parents, Christine and David Phillips, turned their grief into something positive, creating a support center for grieving families. As Gresens Quiroga said, “Today we are here to honor Aine’s memory, and we are also here to raise money so we can keep those peer supports free for families who need them.” For many of the racers, the event was about more than personal achievement; it was about making a lasting impact.