Community Service in Minneapolis: Volunteer for YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon

Every day, we have opportunities to make our world a better place. One of the most tangible ways we can make a difference is through community service, volunteering our time and energy in support of the causes that matter the most to us.  

There are many ways to support women in the Twin Cities, but one of the best ways is by volunteering with YWCA Minneapolis. Volunteering at the YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon is a meaningful community service opportunity in Minneapolis that supports women’s health, empowerment and connection. 

Advancing opportunities for women and girls is a vital part of our mission. One of the ways we bring that to life is through the annual YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon—the largest all-women triathlon in the country—hosted right here in Minneapolis. 

This empowering event is a powerful way for women to challenge their bodies, support their health and experience a strong sense of personal accomplishment. It can be a stage for incredible triumphs, like Kate Varns, who returned to the event in 2025 after suffering a stroke.  

Our outstanding community makes YWCA Women’s Tri an inspiring event. Volunteering is a fun way to be a part of the electric atmosphere, where you can bask in the positive vibes while helping continue this legacy of uplifting women and girls.  

What is YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon? 

YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon is a celebration of strength, community and possibility. Each year, women of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels come together to challenge themselves, support one another and cross the finish line on their own terms. 

In 2025, over 1,000 racers, from ages 11 to 83, participated. The event brought women from all over the country here to the Twin Cities to compete and support each other in an inclusive environment.  

“This event is uplifting, and I love that it’s all women. It can be challenging to make space to focus on your body and your mind. Doing an event like this helps you find the time to train. It’s important to model that behavior, taking care of yourself, for your kids.”  — Erin P, 36, 2025 participant from Minneapolis 

For participants, the event is a powerful reminder of what their bodies and minds can do. For friends, families and spectators, it’s a joyful opportunity to honor the women who inspire us: mothers, daughters, sisters, friends and teammates, and to celebrate their resilience in a uniquely supportive environment. 

For volunteers, it’s an opportunity to empower women and girls, a chance to dedicate our local community service to the women who make an impact in our lives.  

Who Can Participate in the Community Service Opportunity? 

Volunteer opportunities are open to anyone ages 12 and older. While the race is for those who identify with womanhood, volunteering is open to anyone. It can be a particularly meaningful experience for partners, friends and co-workers of participants.  

To YWCA Minneapolis President and CEO Shelley Carthen Watson, the inclusivity of the race is one of the standout facets of the event.  

“Participants race not as individuals, but as a unified community of strong, resilient, powerful women,” Carthen Watson said. “Women of all shapes and sizes, encompassing many generations, colors, faiths and beliefs. When women come together for an event like this, we create something extraordinary.”    

What Community Service Opportunities are Available? 

YWCA Women’s Tri has many different ways to serve your community. Whether you prefer to be a part of the electric atmosphere at the event or contribute behind the scenes (and participate in the race!), you can find a role that fits your interests. 

“Many people picture volunteers handing out water,” Race Director Kym Zest said. “While that’s a part of our event, there are many other opportunities. Triathlons are complex; we need people in the water with noodles and volunteers to help in the transition area with bikes. We also need people to direct traffic and hand out medals at the end of the race.”   

Community service opportunities include:  

• Bike course: help keep the path clear, direct bike traffic and monitor safety rules. 

• Run course: hand out water, direct foot traffic and monitor safety rules.  

• Transition area: screen racers for safety and rule compliance and help with participant setup. In this role, it’s important to be comfortable with confrontation, with the confidence to enforce rules and expectations.  

Other opportunities include noodle swimmers in the lake, family play area and finish line. 

Why Choose the YWCA Women’s Triathlon for Your Community Service Hours? 

You should choose YWCA Women’s Triathlon for your volunteer community service if you believe in uplifting and empowering women and girls. Your service time will: 

• Support women’s health and wellbeing 

• Create a safe, inclusive race environment 

• Count toward documented community service hours 

• Connect you with others who share your values 

Race Captains: A Longer Commitment with a Major Role in the Race 

Serving as a race captain is a high-impact community service leadership opportunity, ideal for people looking to make a deeper commitment to supporting women, health equity and community wellbeing. They take responsibility for specific areas of the race, organizing volunteers, ensuring their areas provide an optimal race experience and expanding race access to more participants.   

Specific time commitments vary by role, but most race captains spend 30-50 hours of time on the race over six months, with roughly 20 hours on race week. All captains are required to attend the following events: 

• Sunday, March 22, 1-4 pm at YWCA Midtown 

• Sunday, July 19, 2-6 pm at Lake Nokomis 

• Saturday, Aug. 8, 6-12 hours at Lake Nokomis depending on role 

• Sunday, Aug. 9, (Race Day): 4 am-4 pm 

While volunteer captains are unpaid volunteer positions, YWCA Minneapolis works to show our appreciation for these leaders with a free fitness membership and a free entry in the race, which can be gifted to someone or exchanged for three additional months of membership.  

If you are interested in being a race captain, please read the race captain guide and complete the application. The deadline for the 2026 YWCA Women’s Tri is Feb. 22, 2026. 

Does Volunteering at YWCA Women’s Triathlon Count as Community Service? 

Yes. Volunteer hours can be documented upon request, making this a great option for students, service clubs and employees to complete community service hours. 

Group Community Service Opportunities in Minneapolis 

YWCA Minneapolis loves having groups volunteer together. For your company or organization, it’s an opportunity to work together and be a part of an awesome, empowering environment.  

Groups work well at water stops or on the bike course. Some companies organize groups of volunteers, like Xcel Energy and Thomson Reuters. We’ve also welcomed Girl Scouts troops and sports teams.   

What’s the Time Commitment for Standard Volunteers? 

To volunteer for the event, expect to work a three-to-four-hour shift. You can do multiple shifts. Some people stay all day, or volunteer throughout race week.  

Can I Volunteer if I Participate in the Race? 

Yes, participants also frequently volunteer like our co-packet pickup race captain Mari Ruddy.  Non-race-day volunteering opportunities include packet stuffing, race setup and packet pickup. 

2026 YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon, Aug. 9 

Each year the YWCA Women’s Tri brings thousands together at Lake Nokomis to celebrate the strength and resilience of women. Registration for the annual event typically sells out in March or April. Volunteer captains are usually selected in March; other volunteers are accepted until the event. If you’d like to join us, complete the Volunteer Interest Form.

If you’re looking for a meaningful community service opportunity in Minneapolis—whether as an individual, a group or a leader, YWCA Women’s Triathlon offers a powerful way to make a difference.