YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon Returns August 10 with Record 1,400 Participants

Largest Women-Only Triathlon in the U.S Celebrates Strength and Resilience of Womanhood 

MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 4, 2025– YWCA Minneapolis will welcome 1,400 athletes to Lake Nokomis on Sunday, Aug. 10, for the annual YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon. The race promotes inclusion, uplifts those who identify with womanhood and supports YWCA Minneapolis’ mission to eliminate racism and empower women and girls.  

Now in its 16th year, this largest-of-its-kind race in the contiguous United States is known for its inclusive and uplifting atmosphere. “This is more than just a race,” said YWCA Minneapolis President and CEO Shelley Carthen Watson. “It’s a space where women and girls lift each other up and prove what’s possible when we move forward together.”  

She emphasized that the event embodies the heart of the YWCA’s mission. “This inspiring event celebrates strength, spirit and resilience — and helps fund our other programs, from early childhood education to youth development and community wellness.” 

Triathlons are often costly and out of reach for many, but YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon works to break down those barriers. This year, YWCA Minneapolis awarded 10 scholarships to first-time triathletes who otherwise might not have been able to participate. Adaptive athletes are also supported. 

“We’re constantly working to ensure that the race is as accessible as possible for adaptive athletes,” said Kym Zest, race director and a founding member of USA Triathlon’s Diversity Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Committee. “This year, for example, we’ve added ramps at three curbs to increase accessibility and let racers request high volume swim caps, accommodating those with textured hair.” 

Last year, 1,200 athletes registered for the race. Ultimately, 940 competed, from 25 states, and ranging in age from 11 to 82 years old. One frequent participant is Connie Meek, 79, from Hayward, Wisconsin. "I have participated in almost all of the races,” Meek said. “The YWCA Minneapolis Triathlon is my favorite triathlon of the season, because of the amazing atmosphere of women of all abilities and backgrounds. It is truly empowering!” 

For many participants, the triathlon is the culmination of months of work. Patsy Lillehei, 81, from Minneapolis, has competed for more than 10 years. “I attended every class YWCA Minneapolis offered to help me train,” Lillehei said. “The events at Lake Nokomis were especially helpful — we practiced transitions, reviewed race strategy, and even did mini triathlons together.” 

Events of this size rely heavily on volunteer support. YWCA Minneapolis is still looking for race-day volunteers, especially to support the bike course. With over 1,400 athletes expected, volunteers play a vital role in creating a safe and supportive atmosphere. All volunteers receive a free t-shirt and a meal ticket for on-site food trucks. Volunteers can sign up to volunteer on Race Roster.  

Members of the public are invited to cheer on athletes and explore the vendor village during the event. 

Media interested in covering YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon can contact Content Marketing Specialist Tom Sedlacek at tsedlacek@ywcampls.org or by cell at 507-351-7445. 

Sponsors 

The 2025 YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon is supported by more than a dozen sponsors, including Swim Leg Sponsor White Crane Design:Build, Medical Sponsor Allina Health and Awards Sponsor Luther Automotive Group. A full list of sponsors is available at: https://www.ywcampls.org/womens-triathlon.  

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.