Celebrating our Champions

On race day, we celebrate the racers and volunteers who embody the spirit of JUST TRYAN IT—those who go above and beyond, inspire others, and remind us why this work matters.

Race Day Awards: Honoring Our Racers

At opening ceremonies, we recognize the incredible young people who have fundraised, trained, and rallied their communities

  • Top Fundraiser – The racer who raised the most funds for families in need

  • 2nd Place Fundraiser

  • 3rd Place Fundraiser

  • STAR Supporters – All racers who raised over $1,500 for families facing childhood cancer

  • Largest Team Award – The team that recruited the most members to race together

  • Brij Austin Spangler Award for Most Creative Fundraising – Recognizing the individual or team who used creativity and resourcefulness to raise funds in unique and inspiring ways

  • Ever-Present Supporter Award – Honoring the racer(s) who have competed in the most consecutive JUST TRYAN IT Kids Triathlons

Star Supporter

Please nominate a racer for these awards by emailing Deb Povinelli.

Smiles at the Party Zone

Annual Spirit Awards

Each year, we recognize one racer and one volunteer from each location who truly embody what JUST TRYAN IT is all about:

Do the Right Thing Award

This award recognizes the racer who is “caught in the act” of doing good during the race—helping a fellow competitor, showing extraordinary sportsmanship, or demonstrating kindness when no one’s watching. Nominated by volunteers and Race Captains, selected by the Race Director and Director of Programs.

2025 Winners

  • Chapel Hill: No Winner
  • Bethesda: Andy S.
Do the Right Thing award

Ken Kaputo Volunteer Service Award

This award honors the race day volunteer who most embodies the spirit of Ken Caputo—known for inspiring racers and volunteers alike with his enthusiasm, can-do attitude, and a healthy touch of goofiness that made everyone around him smile.

2025 Winners

  • Chapel Hill: Melina S.
  • Bethesda: Darius H.
Ken Kaputo

Carrie Sloan Norry Founders Award

Carrie Sloan Norry is the founder and founding Executive Director of JUST TRYAN IT. For over a decade, Carrie led JTI with unwavering dedication, engaging thousands of kids who raised millions of dollars to support families in pediatric cancer treatment.

The Carrie Sloan Norry Founder’s Award is presented annually to an individual or individuals who demonstrate strength of character, passion, determination, empathy, and dedication to those impacted by cancer—the very qualities Carrie has exemplified throughout her life and in her tireless commitment to JUST TRYAN IT.

Past Award Winners

  • 2025 – The Mohtat Family
  • 2024 – Kristen Abrams, Tisha Schestopol, and Meredith Sharp
  • 2023 – Olivia Duvall
  • 2022 – Sarah Ward and Spoonflower
  • 2021 – Andy Luther and the Landon School
  • 2020 – Karen Rogers Cox
  • 2019 – Dr. Aziza Shad and Lindsay Templeton
Carrie Sloan Norry Award