YWCA Minneapolis Women's Triathlon is inviting participants and supporters to help shape the race experience by designing the official 2027 race shirt. It is the first time the organization has held a design contest for the event.
"We're looking for a design that captures the spirit of the race and reminds participants of the strength, community and purpose they carry with them long after race day," Race Director Kym Zest said.
The contest invites athletes, supporters and community members to share their creativity while helping shape the race experience. No professional design experience is required, and hand-drawn artwork is welcome.
To be eligible, the design must contain the official name of the event: YWCA Minneapolis Women's Triathlon and the year 2027. The deadline to submit entries is Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027.
Designs will be evaluated on creativity, originality, wearability, visual impact and production feasibility. Participants should avoid using copyrighted characters, brand logos, clip art, stock graphics, political messaging, offensive imagery or excessive fine detail that won't reproduce well on apparel.
One official winner will be selected by a judging committee, and their design will be produced as the official 2027 race shirt. The winner will receive a complimentary 2027 Women's Triathlon registration, along with the race shirt featuring their artwork, recognition on race day, and digital recognition from YWCA Minneapolis.
In addition to the official winner, the public can also vote on a people's choice award winner who will be recognized on race day.
"For nearly two decades, YWCA Minneapolis Women's Triathlon has brought thousands of women together to challenge themselves, support one another and celebrate what they're capable of," President and CEO Shelley Carthen Watson said. "Inviting our community to help design the official race shirt is a natural extension of that spirit."
YWCA Minneapolis Women's Triathlon will take place Sunday, Aug. 8, 2027, at Lake Nokomis. Registration for the event is currently open. Last year, nearly 1,500 athletes participated, ranging in age from 11 to 84.
About YWCA Minneapolis
YWCA Minneapolis is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering women and girls. For more than 135 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.