Race Captains Make the Magic Happen: Meet Meg Kelly and the Volunteers Behind the YWCA Minneapolis Women's Triathlon
Every year, more than 1,400 athletes compete at Lake Nokomis for the YWCA Minneapolis Women's Triathlon. The event is a powerful celebration of strength, courage and community.
While participants experience the race on a single summer morning, it takes months of preparation and over 400 volunteers to make the event possible. Some volunteers serve on race weekend, while others dedicate their time year-round as Race Captains, helping create the welcoming and inclusive environment that makes the YWCA Minneapolis Women's Triathlon so special.
One of those dedicated volunteers is Meg Kelly, who has served as our VIP Captain for the past two years. VIP racers either purchase the VIP experience through an increased cost of $550 or by fundraising $500.
A Participant Turned Volunteer
Meg's connection to YWCA Minneapolis Women's Triathlon goes all the way back to the first event.
She signed up after spotting a sign at YWCA Midtown and has never missed a race since. Over the years, she's watched the event grow, move from Baker Park Reserve to Lake Nokomis, and inspire thousands of athletes.
For Meg, that first race remains unforgettable.
"I think my family is ok with me saying this. The first time was probably the best day of my life," Meg said. "I'm going to start to cry just thinking about it. My wedding, the days my kids were born, it's up there... But in terms of personally, individually just being happy, it was so amazing."
She recalls many happy memories from nearly two decades of participation, from racing on the 1987 Schwinn Mesa Runner she originally rode to high school to celebrating alongside other athletes who have participated year after year.
One memory that stands out came when she got a flat tire during the race.
"YWCA Minneapolis Women's Triathlon does a very good job of supporting racers out on the course, with volunteers and the bike maintenance team," Meg said. "It's like these angels who descend from above and change your bike tire very quickly, and then you are on your way again."
Giving Back to a Community She Loves
Meg's first volunteer role was helping with packet pickup at YWCA Midtown before the pandemic.
"It was kind of a big festival environment, and that was such a fun way to interact with racers as they were coming through," Meg said. "There were lots of first day, or first tri, nerves."
She later became the event's VIP Captain after learning about the opportunity from Race Director Kym Zest.
Today, Meg helps communicate with VIP and fundraiser participants, sharing details of VIP benefits, answering questions, and ensuring they have a great race experience. It's a role that combines two things she loves: supporting athletes and sharing the joy of an event that has meant so much to her.
Why Volunteer?
One of Meg's favorite places on race day is the finish line, where she cheers athletes across the final stretch.
"I stand there, and I just sob. I'm so proud of these women," Meg said. "It's so cool that everyone with all of their life stories is doing this. It matters to cross that finish line."
For Meg, volunteering is a way to stay connected to the energy and inspiration she felt during her first race. She believes it's also one of the best ways for people to experience the event, whether they participate or not.
"The thing about volunteering, especially if you are not racing, is that you get in on all of that joy," Meg said. "If you don't have time to train over the summer, or if it's just not your thing to swim in a lake, you still get to be a part of it. And it's such a fun thing to be a part of."
Meg's story reflects what makes our Race Captains so special. They bring enthusiasm, expertise, compassion and countless hours of service to help every participant feel supported from registration through the finish line.
To Meg and all of our Race Captains: thank you. Your dedication helps make the YWCA Minneapolis Women's Triathlon not only one of the largest women's triathlons in the contiguous U.S., but also one of the most joyful and welcoming.
Thank You, 2026 Race Captains!
Equipment: Adam Vnuk
Low Waste: Leslie Myint
Family: Brooke Darst Rice
Tri Info & Merch: Tori Sadler, Cary Sfikas
VIP: Meg Kelly
Accessibility: Jessica Peterson
Pre-Race Day: Mari Ruddy, Catherine Wernecke
Chips & Bags: Ashay Rane
Timing & Results: Karri Erbele
Officiating: Alison Griffin
Swim Safety: Ed Patton
Beach Start: Mark Darst Rice
Beach Support: Ina Gorzig
Transition: Sasha Van Neste, Travis Van Neste, Kineta Lyde
Bike Safety & SAG: Risa Hustad
Bike Course, River: Jeff Stoebner
Bike Course Creek & Nokomis: Nick Morales
Run, T to Cedar: Melissa Ratliff
Run, Cedar to Finish: Poppy Potter
Run, Water: Adam Gruenewald
Finish Line: Jenne Hongosh
Friends and Family: Chandler Milam
Training, Rookie: Sam Poindexter, Brittney Haupert, Lara Roy, Min O’Brien
Training, Returning: Alia Carter, Rebekka DesLauriers
Training, Returning & Facebook: Amy DeBruin, Kristen Schuelke, Chris Tholkes