Press Release:
“The YWCA of
Minneapolis is thrilled to move the Women’s Triathlon to Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis. We loved Baker Park and the supportive environment and camaraderie that have set this race apart the past two years,” Paul Johnson, co-race director, explains. “We are confident that we will be able to preserve that special experience and continue to enhance the race by moving to Minneapolis.”In addition to the move, there are plans to expand training and skill building opportunities to encourage more women to try the sport. “We pride ourselves on having unmatched race support to help beginners get into the sport and feel welcome and confident on race day,” says Johnson. “It remains our priority to make the sport of triathlon accessible to every woman who has ever wondered if she could become a triathlete.” Also new this year will be the addition of a competitive elite athlete wave and relay teams as well as new sustainability initiatives to make the race more green.
“This is the community that the YWCA of Minneapolis serves, and where we have been empowering women and girls for the past 118 years. We are excited to bring this race home and show off the beauty of the Minneapolis parks and Chain of Lakes area,” says Becky Roloff, President and CEO of the YWCA of Minneapolis.
The YWCA Women’s Triathlon is a sprint distance race with the new course including a 500 yard swim, 12-14 mile bike and 5K run. The race is co-directed by Johnson, a certified USA Triathlon Race Director and long-time endurance sports athlete and coach at the YWCA of Minneapolis, and Jan Guenther, one of Minnesota’s most distinguished female triathletes. Registration will open February 3, on National Girls and Women in Sports Day. For more information visit the race website and sign up for the race newsletter at www.ywcawomenstri.org.
