CRANBERRY TWP — On its own, a youth triathlon would be a worthwhile event.

Throw in the fact that it’s being held to benefit a worthy cause and there will be winners all around.

Habitat for Humanity of Butler County will hold its 2nd Annual Youth Triathlon this Sunday at North Boundary Park. All proceeds will be used to help build a house in Worth Township for a family of seven in need of decent affordable housing.

“To be part of something that is going to help a good cause, it’s wonderful,” said race director Joella Baker. “North Boundary just refurbished its swimming pool. It’s easy to control traffic, making it safe, especially for the bike portion. It’s such a nice park and it’s great that so many people are going to be exposed to it. The kids and parents loved it last year.”

Children ages six to 16 are eligible. Registration fee is $30 for members of the United States Triathlon Association, $40 for non-members.

Participants will compete in one of five age groups (6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13 and 14-16). Plaques will be awarded to the top three finishers, boys and girls, in each age group.

For the oldest participants, the challenge will include a 400-yard swim, 5-mile bike ride and 2-mile run.

The youngest ones will do a 25-yard swim, 1-mile bike ride and ¼-mile run.

The other age divisions will fall in between those distances.

Online registration, which will close Saturday night, can be completed at www.active.com. But walk-up registrations will also be accepted, beginning at 6:30 a.m. Sunday. The event begins at 8 a.m.

Last year’s event was held in late August and drew nearly 100 youths. Between registration fees and sponsors, $6,000 was raised.

“That was a good amount because it was the first year for the triathlon,” said Judy Kercovich, vice president of Habitat for Humanity of Butler County, “but we are hoping for more this year. Last year’s money went toward buying the land for the house. This year, the money will go toward its construction. Ground should be broken soon.”

The nonprofit organization, based in Zelienople, previously held adult aquathons as fundraisers.

“Through feedback, we were told that we could get more people involved if we held a youth triathlon,” said Kercovich. “The plan is to have one every year.”