Bolingbrook Kid Triathlete Raises Money for Autism Research

Ten-year-old Kevin Blahetka hopes to raise $750 for autism research as he prepares for his second Life Time Kids Triathlon in Warrenville. 

Support Kevin -- donate to autism research. 

Blahetka, a Valley View School District 365U student, has autism. His father, Ken, who is helping Kevin train, will run alongside him. 

Raising money for autism research is a family affair. His father, Ken, and his 12-year-old brother Dylan have both raised money through their own races. Dylan has also competed in the Life Time Kids Triathlon. Ken Blahetka weighed 400 pounds when Kevin was born and started running and doing triathlons to get in shape.

Kevin saw his brother's medals and wanted his own. Ken taught Kevin the back stroke and helped him learn to ride a bike without training wheels. 

"I think bike riding was his first real taste of Independence," Ken Blahetka wrote in an e-mail. 

Kevin Blahetka was grinning "ear-to-ear" during the bike portion of his first kids triathlon. He crossed the finish line, and his own medal is hanging above his bed. 

He will compete in his second Kids Triathlon on Sept. 15. 

Help Kevin reach his goal. Donate here.