Triathlons are used as personal challenges for first-time triathletes. Add a few brothers and sisters to the equation, and it turns into a family affair.

That’s what the Remmens and Matsons did for Saturday’s Whidbey Island Triathlon.

“We all wanted to get in shape physically as a family,” Amanda Remmen said. “And we wanted to stay really young for Madeline and be able to do a lot with her.”

Amanda, Barrett and 12-year-old Madeline Remmen, of Useless Bay Colony, competed as a relay team.

“We just thought it would be fun to do as a family,” said Amanda, 39.

Madeline received special permission from South Whidbey Parks & Recreation District to compete. The age minimum is 16, but Madeline was allowed to compete because she is a competitive swimmer with the South Whidbey Swim Club and her coach vouched for her.

Madeline opened the relay by swimming a half-mile in Goss Lake. She finished in 18 minutes, 45.3 seconds.

“She’s just a fish. She wanted to swim from the word go,” said Barrett, also 39.

Barrett biked 19.5 miles to South Whidbey Community Park. He biked in the Seattle-to-Portland ride last month, and felt prepared for the bike section of the relay. Then Amanda ran 3.8 miles to the finish line. During the run, Amanda experienced some anxiety issues and leg cramps, causing her to walk part of the route.

“I was totally out of shape,” Amanda said. “I understand why people pay, it’s a great motivator.”

For the Matsons, the race was about being active together.

Don Matson, 52, registered his sons Peter and Lucas after seeing the ChelanMan Lake Chelan Triathlon Multisport Event.

None of them trained for the triathlon. Don bikes 11 miles to work, Peter swam for Kamiak High School, and Lucas ran cross-country and ran a marathon earlier this summer.

“I biked to work a couple times,” Lucas said. “But mostly because

I couldn’t get a ride.”

Peter Matson was out of the water in 12 minutes, 37 seconds — five minutes before Lucas and 12 minutes before his dad, Don.

“Luke and I came out of the water gassed,” Don explained.

Lucas pulled away from Peter and Don on the bike ride, and spread out his lead on the run.

“I don’t really run, ever,” Peter said.

Don admitted his swim was less than stellar.

“I was disappointingly slow,” Don said with a smile.

The Matson sons set out a goal to finish before their dad.

“I thought they’d call the race ‘Beat the Don,’” he said.

After the race, the family from Mukilteo went to Mike’s Place, a favorite haunt, and reminisced about family outings to Whidbey Island.

“It was kind of like a throwback,” Lucas said.

The Matsons said they were more concerned with enjoying themselves than the finish time.

“I was more casual than some of the other competitive racers,” Peter said.

The Remmens’ goal was to finish and set a benchmark time for next year’s race. They placed 16th as a relay in 2 hours, 8 minutes and 23.8 seconds. Barrett said they “absolutely” plan to register and race in next year’s Whidbey Island Triathlon.

“She’s just really proud of herself for doing this,” Amanda said.

Eventually, Madeline wants to complete the triathlon on her own. Before they begin training again for the Whidbey triathlon, the Remmens are considering racing in the Bonney Lake Triathlon in September.

“We’re ready for the next challenge,” Amanda said.

Amanda and Barrett were pleased with the physical and emotional results of the triathlon.

“It’s really neat that this is something that can keep us bonded together as a family,” Amanda said.