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HAMILTON - Smoky air from the Downing Mountain fire west of Hamilton didn't stop hundreds of people from getting outside to run, swim and bike their way to victory as folks from all over Montana competed in the fifth annual Bitterroot Classic Triathlon on Saturday.

Crossing that finish line was beneficial to more than just the triathlon participants since all of the proceeds from Saturday's event fund the Ronald McDonald House of Missoula and event organizers estimate that between $15,000 and $18,000 will now go toward helping sick children and their families.

"It's just a really healthy, fun event and benefits our Ronald McDonald House so much," Ronald McDonald Executive Director Barbara Wickel said.

Saturday's race was about raising money for children with debilitating diseases for one woman, who is also overcoming her own. Last year, Cathie Lawder was unable to compete in the triathlon after finding out she had cancer just two weeks before the outdoor event.

"I was diagnosed with lymphoma, and then followed by chemotherapy, radiation," Cathie explained.

She has been cancer-free for three months now, and more determined than ever to finish the race that she couldn't last year.

"I said to myself, I have to push it because if I don't push it as much as I know I can, I'll be disappointed in myself. I guess in a way, I was proving something for the other patients that I met along the way--some of them who were losing their battle.

Cathie's team may not have taken first place on Saturday, but they are helping to fund struggling families all across the country

"We serve families who have sick children and this is a way that families can give back to their community," Wickel added.

And for all of Saturday's participants, giving back to the community was as simple as heading outside and getting some exercise.

Event organizers say the triathlon would not be possible without all of the support and help they get from their volunteers and this year there were over 100 of them lending a hand.