The Columbia couple met four years ago during a 5:30 a.m. runner's group. They have since regularly competed in triathlon and 5K events. "We started running together and became friends," said Brad. "We realized that we had a lot of similar interests and that led into dating. It's definitely a tri-athlete family." On Saturday, the duo returned to one of its favorite venues to compete in the Quartermax Triathlon event held annually at Innsbrook. Kimberly was the first female to finish, clocking in at 1:19.00 and placing fifth overall. Brad crossed the line one spot ahead of his wife, beating her by exactly two-and-half minutes. "In all of our races that we do together, he usually gives me some type of handicap," said Kimberly. "Like today, he gave me a two minute handicap." That type of friendly competition has strengthened the bond shared by these two. "We're up at 4:30 every morning training five days a week," said Brad. "My performances have gotten better, primarily because of my wife." The Earnests are not the only family to have grown closer through the Innsbrook triathlons. Todd Weber was one of three brothers who competed in Saturday's race. He says he began training in February after receiving a call from his brother Jason in February. Jason, an Arizona resident and triathlon veteran, challenged brothers Todd and Scott to join him in the event. Todd says he was in no condition to compete when he received the initial call. "I couldn't even run a lap," quipped the 38-year-old. Todd accepted the challenge and made the drive from Lincoln, Neb.. with his family last weekend. He crossed the finish line with daughter Kati, overwhelmed by a sense of accomplishment. Although it was his first triathlon as well, Scott finished 4 minutes ahead of Jason. Following the race, the family was already planning to make this an annual event -ða reunion of sorts. Family was exactly what kept Barry Knight, 43, moving swiftly, even after the race. The Paducah, Ky. resident claimed top male honors in the Octomax event, finishing in 1:08.37. At the completion of the race, he promptly began the four hour trek home for his daughter's birthday. Knight says Saturday's weather conditions were very favorable. "I couldn't ask for a better day," said Knight. "Nice and cool. No heat, no wind. It was just a perfect day out here to race." He competed in the first Quartermax event held at Innsbrook six years ago but had not raced the course since 2005. "It's a good, fun race," said Knight. "This is a great atmosphere." Second-place male finisher Jay Orr says this course provides the ultimate challenge. "This is not meant to be a race course," said Orr. "This is more like XTerra. It's brutal. The crushed rock and hills will humble even the best athletes." Orr battled in the shortest of Saturday's events -ðthe Octomax. The course included a 500-yard swim, 18-mile bike ride and three-mile run. A more rigorous challenge, featuring an 1000-yard swim, 28-mile bike race and six-mile run was held simultaneously. Columbia native Joe Company, 35, was the first male to finish. His mark of 1:57.54 was two minutes faster than second-place finisher Ted Zderic. Company also won the Quartermax in 2008. "This has kind of a grass-rootsy feel," said Company, who has been a triathlete since 2000. "A lot of the triathlons anymore have a corporate feel. And I'm drawn to the races that are more like the old school." Company also commented on how well-staffed and marked the course is. Kristin Moore of St. Charles was the top female in the Octomax, clocking in at 2:11.19. "I really felt good on the run, and I think that's where I made up my time," said Moore. She has returned to compete annually since her first visit to Innsbrook in 2000. "I love the course," said Moore. "It's challenging and the run is hilly." Saturday's event drew in over 500 athletes, ranging from ages 11 to 73. Tate Cooper, was the first of two eleven year olds to finish the race. He was inspired to start competing after taking part in a minimax event for fun at age six. "The people in the tri-club (Columbia Multisport Club) talked me into doing the triathlon and then I got hooked," said Cooper. Now he runs two miles each day and competes regularly in triathlons and 5K runs with his mother, Laura Seivert.