YWCA Women’s Triathlon

2025 Women’s Triathlon

Join us for a day of empowerment and camaraderie as women and girls come together to swim, bike and run to the finish line. Our beginner-friendly triathlon is a great way to challenge yourself, support your peers and make lasting memories.

Standard registration for 2025 is sold out.

Registration for 2026 will open on race day, Aug. 10. Plan to register early!  

Still want to be a part of the race? Here are options to get involved:

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

Standard registration for 2025 is sold out.

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.  

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.  

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.

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 the need to participate in the race.

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.

Meet Our Race Director

Kym Zest is excited to revitalize and lead YWCA Women’s Triathlon to the Twin Cities and national triathlon community to empower women and eliminate racism.

Meet Our Race Announcer

Michanda Myles is a race announcer, emcee, model and triathlete who has competed at various distances. Michanda is also the host of her podcast, Tri Beginners Luck.

2024 Race Stats

Over 950 amazing athletes took part in the 2024 YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon on Aug. 11 at Lake Nokomis.

Thank you to the incredible racers, as well as the spectators, vendors and volunteers who made this a remarkable event!

Women’s Triathlon Sponsors

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).

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."

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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.