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Our fitness centers at YWCA Downtown and Midtown are now open as of June 22. As we reopen, you can be certain your health and safety is our top priority. YWCA Uptown plans to open on July 15. Learn more about reopening and our Uptown temporary closure.

Women's Triathlon

2020 Race Canceled

Updated May 8, 2020

The safety and well-being of our community remains our top priority. As a result, and after careful deliberation, we have decided to cancel this year’s Women’s Triathlon. However, in the spirit of staying connected while physically apart, we are excited to announce our first-ever virtual Summer Tri Fest! Stay motivated, connected and safe this summer by creating your very own, personalized triathlon, duathlon or aquabike challenge beginning June 1 – August 9. This is your chance to compete on your schedule, preferred course and distance. And everyone is welcome. Race individually or create a virtual racing team with friends and family, complete your personalized challenge and join us for a virtual celebration.

Questions? Contact triathlon@ywcampls.org for more information.

Register for Summer Tri Fest

YWCA Women's Triathlon Celebrates the Strength in all Women

What is YWCA Women’s Triathlon?

YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon is our most popular athletic event of the year! It’s a race that has participants trekking through the water and across the pavement through swimming, cycling and running. Here’s a brief rundown on what each race type includes:

four women with race medals at ywca women's triathlon

Sprint Triathlon Distance

  • 500-yard swim
  • 15.5-mile bike course
  • 5k run/walk

SuperSprint Triathlon Distance

  • 200-yard swim
  • 7.3-mile bike course
  • 1-mile run/walk

Aquabike Distance

  • 500-yard swim
  • 15.5-mile bike ride

The second weekend in August each year, more than 1,400 triathletes participate in these multisport races to recognize and celebrate the strength and resolve in all women. Add in 3,500+ spectators and 300 or so volunteers, and you have one of the biggest and most inspiring summer fitness events in all of Minneapolis.

Registration Information

Race Day Information

What Sets YWCA Women's Triathlon Apart?

Largest All-Women Triathlon

We're the only all-women triathlon in Minnesota — and the largest all-women triathlon in the contiguous United States.

Exceptional 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.

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.

Swim Equipment

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

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.

Top-Notch Awards

We give special awards to sister-sister teams, mother-daughter teams, life-partner teams, and to those in first-timer categories.

Free Giveaways

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

Clean & Green

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

We Welcome Adaptive Athletes

Our course has 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.

2019 Triathlon Results & Photos

Congratulations to all racers who competed in the 2019 YWCA Women’s Triathlon! We were thrilled to see so many incredible families and friends lending their support and encouragement for these athletes, too.

We’ve compiled all the results for the Individual, SuperSprint and Teams. Just use the button below to see yours—and feel free to browse our gallery of photos from the event while you’re at it.

Questions?

Check out Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) here.
Or contact triathlon@ywcampls.org for more information.

Media Kit

For media inquiries, contact Cori Mattli at 612-215-4107 or cmattli@ywcampls.org.

View the Media Kit

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.

Sign up for the Women’s Tri Email Newsletter
Join the Women’s Tri Facebook page

Testimonials

"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."