YWCA Women’s Triathlon

YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon Celebrates the Power of Women

The YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon is a celebration of strength, community and possibility. Each year, women of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels come together to challenge themselves, support one another and cross the finish line on their own terms.

For participants, the event is a powerful reminder of what their bodies and minds can do. For friends, families and spectators, it’s a joyful opportunity to honor the women who inspire us: mothers, daughters, sisters, friends and teammates, and to celebrate their resilience in a uniquely supportive environment.

2026 Registration

Registration for 2026 YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Tri is open!

  • Race Date: Aug. 9, 2026

2026 Race Pricing

Register early for the best rate! The race starts at $105 when registration opens, and then goes up $10 on each of the following dates:

Sept. 1; Nov. 1; Jan. 1, 2026 ($15 increase); Feb. 1, 2026; March 1, 2026; April 1, 2026.

The race usually sells out in March or April.

Scholarship applications are open!

What’s New?

  • Race Price Now Includes Taxes and Fees - these are no longer added at the end of the registration process.

  • Century Teams - Two racers whose ages add up to over 100 can add their times together and compete against other Century Teams.

Triathlon Support Classes

Training for a triathlon can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! We offer triathlon support classes to jumpstart your training and get a feel for the event. Whether this is your first tri or your 10th, our classes are a great way to prepare.

To learn more about the race, visit our race FAQ page.  

  • Training, Preparation and Support

    We can help you achieve your triathlon and overall health goals. We have a variety of free and paid ways for you to learn, train and connect.

    Learn More

  • Volunteer

    Join us in celebrating the strength of women by volunteering for the Tri event. With over 1000 racers expected, we need over 300 volunteers to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

    Your contribution matters, and together we can make a difference. Join the festivities without participating in the race.

    Learn More and Register

  • Sponsorship

    Proceeds from YWCA Women’s Triathlon support the powerful community programs of YWCA Minneapolis. Annually, your support helps empower 15,000+ people to create brighter futures for themselves, their families and their community. Questions? Contact triathlon@ywcampls.org.

    2025 Sponsorship Packet

What is YWCA Women’s Triathlon?

YWCA Women’s Triathlon encompass timed swim, bike, and run races, seamlessly connected by transitions from swimming to biking, and biking to running. Each participant's performance is measured across six stages: swim, T1 (transition 1), bike, T2 (transition 2), run and the cumulative finish time. Within the sport of triathlon, various distances are available to suit diverse preferences and skill levels. The YWCA Women’s Triathlon offers two distinct distances for participants to choose from.

  • Sprint Distance available for people ages 14+: 500 yard swim, 15.5 mile bike, 5 kilometer run/walk 

  • Super Sprint Distance available for people 11+: 200 yard swim, 7.3 mile bike, 1 mile run/walk  

There are many ways to participate. You can race as an individual, a two-person team, a relay, in a buddy group or as a VIP racer. You can gain a VIP race experience either by fundraising or registering as a Champion. Learn more about the VIP experience.

All changes to registration are due June 30.  

Race FAQS
Race Guide

What sets YWCA Women’s Triathlon apart?

Emotional 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.

Swim Support

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

FREE Giveaways

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

We Welcome Adaptive Athletes

Our course has previously 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.

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.

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.

Clean & Green

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

YWCA Minneapolis Women’t Triathlon Coverage

Over 1,000 Women Gather for 2025 Women’s Triathlon

The atmosphere was electric at YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon. In all, 1,074 powerful individuals and 13 relay teams took part in our annual event, ranging in age from 11 to 83.

It is a powerful and empowering event for many: from mothers setting an example for their young children, to grandmothers racing in multigenerational teams. For one Para athlete, it was also an affirmation that she could still compete in an event she loves after suffering a stroke.

Read Powerful, Personal Stories from the Tri

Hear from triathletes…

  • "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."

Questions?

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.

Contact triathlon@ywcampls.org for more information.

Join the Women's Tri Facebook Page
Sign Up for the Women's Tri Newsletter