Mitchell, Abbie and Luke Butler, 9, have been gaining a reputation for themselves most recently through success in Tasmania's school distance running events.

Tremendous support for their competing siblings is matched by a tooth-and-nail drive to win during shared races.

Even eating breakfast is a race for the three, according to father Marcus Butler.

"Both (mother) Emma and I have been distance runners for years, the kids have just grown up running - it comes naturally to them," Mr Butler said.

"Abbie is a current state champion in the 1500 metres with Little Athletics, she holds state record, she broke that by 11 seconds a few months back. Mitchell came second in the 1500m at those state titles."

He said although Luke preferred sprints, the distance between the brothers during longer events was shrinking.

"His confidence is growing and he's starting to close the gap on Mitchell a bit," Mr Butler said. "Mitchell keeps pushing hard to make sure his brother doesn't beat him, and Luke will certainly let him know when he does."

The targets used by the triplets for benchmarking their talent range from children their own age, older runners and - ultimately - their parents, he said.

"They quite enjoy the fact that they've been noticed, it spurs them on," Mr Butler said.

"We try to make sure they understand winning and placing isn't everything, it's about them enjoy themselves."