North County is the scene of marathons, walk-a-thons and bike-a-thons.

On July 1, a trike-a-thon was added to the list of events.

Some 26 kids who attend West Liberty Child Development Center rode in a St. Jude Trike-a-Thon to raise funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The kids, from 2 to 10 years old, raised $1,686 for the center in Tennessee that researches and treats pediatric cancer and other childhood illnesses.

The ride capped a week of activities to teach young children bicycle safety tips, said Sally Lake, the Center's director. They learned about the importance of helmets, the risks of riding in driveways and the dangers of taking a ride on a public street.

During the 90-minute trike-a-thon, kids rode their tricycles, scooters or bicycles along a path that made a loop from the center in White Hall through the playground and cemetery. A water sprinkler was set up to cool the kids off when they needed a break.

"We try to do something that is fun and helps others each summer," Lake said.