YWCA Women’s Triathlon

2024 Race Updates

Over 950 amazing athletes took part in the 2024 YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon on Aug. 11 at Lake Nokomis.

Thank you to the incredible racers, as well as the spectators, vendors and volunteers who made this a remarkable event!

2025 Women’s Tri Registration

Join us for a day of empowerment and camaraderie as women and girls come together to swim, bike and run to the finish line. Our beginner-friendly triathlon is a great way to challenge yourself, support your peers and make lasting memories.

The early bird registration fee is $94 plus applicable fees and is available at this rate until Aug. 31. To learn more about registration, including the frequency of price increases, visit our race FAQ page.  

Meet Our Race Director

Kym Zest is excited to revitalize and lead YWCA Women’s Triathlon to the Twin Cities and national triathlon community to empower women and eliminate racism.

Meet Our Race Announcer

Michanda Myles is a race announcer, emcee, model and triathlete who has competed at various distances. Michanda is also the host of her podcast, Tri Beginners Luck.

Women’s Triathlon Sponsors

What is YWCA Women’s Triathlon?

YWCA Women’s Triathlon encompass timed swim, bike, and run races, seamlessly connected by transitions from swimming to biking, and biking to running. Each participant's performance is measured across six stages: swim, T1 (transition 1), bike, T2 (transition 2), run, and the cumulative finish time. Within the sport of triathlon, various distances are available to suit diverse preferences and skill levels. The YWCA Women’s Triathlon specifically presents two distinct distances for participants to engage with.

Sprint Distance available for people ages 14+ 

  • 500 yard swim 

  • 15.5 mile bike 

  • 5 kilometer run/walk 

Super Sprint Distance available for people 11+ 

  • 200 yard swim 

  • 7.3 mile bike 

  • 1 mile run/walk  

Triathletes can also participate as individuals or as a relay.

Training Support Opportunities

Achieve your health goals and conquer your next triathlon with us! Explore our diverse array of free and paid options, available both in-person and virtually, tailored to suit your pace and preferences. Get ready to excel at the Women’s Triathlon with our comprehensive training programs.

Volunteer

Join us in celebrating the strength of women by volunteering for the Tri event. With over 1000 racers expected, we are in need of 300+ volunteers to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants. Your contribution matters, and together we can make a difference. Join the festivities without the need to participate in the race.

Sponsorship

Proceeds from YWCA Women’s Triathlon support the powerful community programs of YWCA Minneapolis. Annually, your support helps empower 15,000+ people to create brighter futures for themselves, their families and their community. Questions? Contact triathlon@ywcampls.org.

What sets YWCA Women’s Triathlon apart?

Emotional Support

We offer unparalleled training support through a free training plan, free clinics and an abundance of training classes, including mini-triathlons and open water swim clinics.

Swim Support

While a participant is racing, we offer unrivaled aquatic support, providing complimentary novice swim caps and noodle swimmers.

FREE Giveaways

We offer great giveaways to those who stick around for the awards.

We Welcome Adaptive Athletes

Our course has previously been designated by the USA Triathlon Paratriathlon Committee as Paratriathlon Friendly. We encourage adaptive athletes to participate in our race, and ask that they contact our race management team as soon as possible so that we may work together on accommodations.

Simple, Collaborative Racing

We encourage women to race with buddies, guaranteeing a transition spot and wave assignment with a buddy or group of buddies, if they choose.

Viewer Participation

We have a popular "Friends and Family Finish Zone" that allows kids and family members to cross the finish line with their moms, aunts and grandmas.

Clean & Green

Our triathlon is a "green" race, boasting a very low-waste rate (92% of our waste is diverted to compost and recycling).

Hear from triathletes…

  • "Super open and friendly, accessible and supportive triathlon for all levels of fitness. Very well run by volunteers and staff to make all participants and supporters feel welcomed and important."

  • "I love the empowering nature of this event. The support for all racers, especially first timers, is truly phenomenal."

  • "I want to do this race every year for the rest of my life."

  • "It's the most amazing and supportive event you could be a part of! There is so much support throughout your training and YWCA is here to help you have a great experience on race day."

  • "It was such a great way to bring women together to support and encourage each other no matter their age or ability."

  • "The friendliest and most inspiring triathlon around."

  • "I tell everyone that it is a love fest and all are enthusiastically welcomed. It’s beautiful."

  • "This event represents me taking fitness into my own hands and achieving something I have always wanted to do but been scared to."

  • "I am so impressed with all the dedicated volunteers that help put this event on! What an extraordinarily well-run race. I also love the diversity of ages, cultures, body types."

  • "First time in an event like this. Proud to have done it. It gave me a reason to exercise, which helps my physical and psychological health."

Questions?

Get Connected

Use the resources below to connect with us through social or our email newsletter. By doing so, you’ll be the first to know about updates and great stories related to the race.

Contact triathlon@ywcampls.org for more information.