Over 1,000 Women Gather for Empowering 2025 YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon
YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon celebrated the power and diversity of women and those who identify with womanhood at their annual race at Lake Nokomis today. In all, 1,074 individual participants and 13 relay teams took part in the event. Participants ranged in age from 11 to 83 years old.
One of the hallmarks of the event is a supportive, inclusive environment for women and those who identify with womanhood. YWCA Minneapolis President and CEO Shelley Carthen Watson said, “Events like this are critical when the world feels divided. This shows the kind of energy that radiates when women and girls rise together. This event reflects what we are all about, eliminating racism and empowering women and girls.”
Among the participants were grandmothers, mothers and daughters, sometimes all racing together. Carisa Brent, 46, from Minneapolis and her daughter Adelaide, 15, were part of 2Fast2Fabulous. The group encompasses 15 participants from multiple generations across both Sprint and Super Sprint categories.
Carisa did her first YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Tri 10 years ago, took a break, and has done it together with her daughter for the last three years. “The bike is the best. Everyone is so supportive. They’re like great job, you’re doing great, I’m passing you,” Carissa said. “ There’s just so much positive talk the whole way. The whole event has a positive and encouraging vibe.”
YWCA Minneapolis Race Director Kym Zest notes how the supportive atmosphere is what makes YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Tri stand out. “First off, our racers are incredible. Then you have our enthusiastic volunteers, who work hard to keep the race safe and fun. We do everything we can to make the race accessible, from using functional and reusable medals to providing baby care and toddler potty seats, to providing scholarships to increase access to the event. It all comes together into one remarkable, empowering experience.
Mothers Setting an Empowering Example
The event can be especially powerful for mothers with young children, like Erin Peterson, 36, from Minneapolis. “This event is uplifting, and I love that it’s all women,” Peterson said. “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.”
While some mothers participate to set strong examples for their children, other mothers embrace the opportunity to compete with their kids. For Amy Finnegan, it was her ninth YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Tri. What started as a fun activity with friends years ago blossomed into a family activity, as four daughters of the group, ages 12 to 15, participated this year. “I got started with the YWCA women’s triathlon after moving here. I enjoy all three sports, and just really like the idea of doing a triathlon right in the city,” Amy said. “I keep coming back because it’s the most encouraging athletic event I’ve ever done.”
This supportive environment keeps many participants returning year after year. Mary Cole, 68, from St. Paul, originally attended the event to watch her neighbor. She was inspired by the atmosphere and has been a regular participant since 2016. “It’s women supporting women,” Cole said. “I don’t feel like it’s competitive. We’re all just here to help each other do our best.”
An Emotional Finish
While the atmosphere was electric throughout the day, few participants encompassed the incredible strength and resilience of women more than one of the last racers to cross the finish line. Kate Varns, 54, from Minneapolis, is a longtime triathlete, and her husband, Glen, is a frequent volunteer for YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon. A former Ironman, Varns suffered a stroke in May 2024 and feared that she would never compete again.
“While I had great care last summer, there were also lots of tears. I love this community,” Varns said. “I thought I’d never see it again. Being here today was very emotional because it’s a huge part of our lives.”
To participate, Varns had to open to the idea of being a Para athlete. In addition to physical limitations from the stroke, Varns lost vision and cognitive function. The first step for Varns was walking with a crutch. Then, she had to learn to swim with a new stroke, since freestyle was no longer possible. To complete the bike leg, she powered a tandem bicycle while Glen served as pilot.
“Leading up to the race, I told someone it was very possible I would finish last because of all the changes,” Varns said. “The silver lining is that the crowd at the women’s triathlon is incredibly supportive of people who are last or finishing slowly.”
Varns finished the race to a rousing ovation, crossing the finish line with Glen.
In 2026, the event will once again be held at Lake Nokomis on Sunday, Aug. 9. Registration is currently open.
Making an Impact In Your Community
YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon is one of many ways the organization brings the community together. At this event and many others, volunteers help deliver on the mission to eliminate racism and empower women and girls. You can help support this mission by volunteering for an upcoming event or making a financial gift to the organization.