The Last Finishers Get the Loudest Cheers at YWCA Minneapolis Women's Triathlon

MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 9, 2026 – As the final athletes of the YWCA Minneapolis Women's Triathlon made their way toward the finish line Sunday, participants, volunteers, family members and spectators gathered to deliver the loudest cheers of the day. The tradition reflects the supportive culture that brought nearly 1,500 athletes to Lake Nokomis for the 17th annual event. 

YWCA Minneapolis President and CEO Shelley Carthen Watson kicked the event off with a brief welcome on the beach before athletes hit the water for the first leg of the race.  

"Every stroke, every step and every mile is a testament to your courage," Carthen Watson said. "Every woman here is proof of what is possible when women come together, lift one another up and pursue something bigger than themselves.”  

YWCA Women's Triathlon is one of the most visible ways YWCA Minneapolis advances its mission to eliminate racism and empower women and girls. Scholarships help reduce barriers to participation for first-time athletes, while training programs provide support and encouragement for participants of all experience levels. Many athletes return year after year, helping make the event the largest women-only triathlon in the contiguous United States. 

Athletes ranged from 11 to 84 years old and participated for many different reasons. Some were pursuing personal records, working towards growing faster and stronger. Others competed alongside a mother, daughter, sister, friend or neighbor. Others used the event as a time to hold space for themselves through the summer, often modeling healthy habits and perseverance for their children.  

82-year-old Patsy Lillehei, from Minneapolis, has completed over 40 triathlons, including the YWCA Women's Triathlon five times. She said the event is the best organized out of any she's done.  

"I hope to still be doing this when I'm over 90," Patsy said. "You don't know the fun you're missing if you don't start."   

Patsy was one of two racers over age 80 to complete the event. A heart attack survivor, her mantra is "don't blow anything out." She completed the race to a rousing ovation and was feeling good at the finish line.   

alia carter, 41, from St. Paul, participated for the second time. She has competed in other road races around the Twin Cities and noted the positive and supportive nature of YWCA Women's Triathlon. 

"It's your race," alia said. "I did not train as much as I did last year and that's fine. It was okay for me to be here and have fun. My favorite part is seeing the runners when I'm biking in, and everyone is cheering for each other. I've never experienced that anywhere else, and it makes this a unique and special experience."   

Not every racer had a seamless trip through the course. Madi Perlick, 21, from Bloomington, had a catastrophic equipment failure on the bike course.  

"My whole pedal fell off, like everything, right before the halfway turnaround," Madi said. "Many people stopped to help, but it's a big issue. I still wanted to finish running, so I got a ride over from one of the volunteers, and I was able to finish the race." 

The setback illustrated the spirit of the YWCA Women's Triathlon. Participants stopped to help, volunteers worked to find a solution, and Madi remained determined to finish the race. 

One of the day's most memorable moments came near the end of the race, when participants, volunteers, family members and spectators gathered at the finish line to cheer on AnnLiv Bacon, 84, from Minneapolis, as she crossed the finish line with her nieces. Many of those cheering remained long after their own races had ended, creating a powerful celebration of perseverance, encouragement and community. The tradition has become a defining feature of the event's culture. For many participants, the loudest cheers of the day are reserved not for the fastest finishers, but for the last. 

Beyond providing an opportunity for women to challenge themselves and build community, the Women's Triathlon is an important fundraiser for YWCA Minneapolis. In addition to race registrations, sponsorships and merchandise sales, participants, teams and supporters raised funds through peer-to-peer fundraising. Together, these efforts help support YWCA Minneapolis programs that serve more than 15,000 people each year. 

Building on the enthusiasm for this year's event, registration for the 18th annual YWCA Minneapolis Women's Triathlon opened on race day. The event returns to Lake Nokomis on Sunday, Aug. 8, 2027. 

About YWCA Minneapolis 

YWCA Minneapolis is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering women and girls. For more than 130 years, YWCA Minneapolis has led initiatives to challenge social injustices, particularly at the intersections of race and gender. Each year, the organization serves more than 15,000 people through high-quality programs and advocacy focused on racial justice, early learning, youth development and wellness.