Thousands Gather to Support 2024 YWCA Women’s Triathlon at Lake Nokomis
We celebrated the strength and resilience of female athletes and those identifying with womanhood at our 15th annual YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, at Lake Nokomis. With over 1,200 athletes registered for the race and 940 competing, it is one of the largest triathlons of its kind in the contiguous United States.
At a time when many similar events across the country struggle to remain viable, the 2024 YWCA Women’s Triathlon sold out in 37 days. The event drew athletes from 25 states, ranging in age from 11 to 82 years old.
YWCA Women’s Triathlon provides a supportive and inclusive environment for women and those who identify with womanhood, including trans women and non-binary athletes.
YWCA Minneapolis President and CEO Shelley Carthen Watson remarked on the inclusivity of the race, noting that participants “race not as individuals, but as a unified community of strong, resilient, powerful women. Women of all shapes and sizes, encompassing many generations, colors, faiths and beliefs.”
Carthen Watson adds, "When women come together for an event like this, we create something extraordinary.”
Mothers and Daughters Participating Together
Many participants use the event to bond with family members. Sarah Berseth, 43, is a frequent participant from Minneapolis. She has competed nearly 10 times. “I love the atmosphere, and it’s all women,” Berseth said. “My daughter ran across the finish line with me when she was two, and now she races with me.”
Like Berseth, Maureen O’Connell, 66, from Saint Paul, raced with her daughters. This was her second Tri; she did her first last year to support YWCA Minneapolis’s mission to eliminate racism and empower women and girls. She noted that it’s a great mother-daughter event, even if you are overcoming an injury.
“I had a cracked patella for most of the summer,” O’Connell said. “I couldn’t do much training. I’m just happy to be out here doing it. I just got cleared on Thursday to swim. I had to walk most of the run part because of my knee.”
An Accessible Event for Women of all Ages
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Women’s Triathlon is its inclusivity and beginner-friendly nature. The event is timed, and official winners are recognized, but it’s an opportunity for most to explore their capabilities.
It was the eighth YWCA Women’s Triathlon for the event’s oldest racer, Annliv Bacon, 82, from Edina. She continues to compete despite having overcome 12 surgeries and five joint replacements. “I did the first one to prove I can do it. It was so much fun, and the women were so supportive,” Bacon said. “As I’ve gotten older, I do it because I want them to know you can keep doing it. It’s about finding something you enjoy doing, that fits you, and then keep doing it.”
Third-timer Annie-Louise Backman, 38, from St. Paul, likes that the event is only for women. “It’s good to be around a bunch of strong women,” Backman said. “We’re all sizes, shapes, colors, ages. Some women who passed me on the bike were at least 20 years older than me.”
Whether you are a seasoned pro or a first-time, there are many ways to prepare for an event like the YWCA Women’s Triathlon. YWCA Minneapolis supports the community with a series of training classes:
Kick-Off
Mini Tri Practice
Open Water Swim Class
Tri Skills Class
Try Triathlon Youth Camp
Saint Paul native Dina Stewart, 49, used the open water swim class to prepare for the event. She didn’t think she could complete a full triathlon, but a friend talked her into it and coached her. “For me, it’s a race against myself,” Stewart said. “It’s amazing to be around women doing the triathlon. The vibe is positive, and you don’t have the intimidation factor of doing it around men.”
Honoring Support Networks
Hundreds of spectators attended to support the race. Athletes could get wristbands for supporters to join them for the last 200 feet to cross the finish line together.
First-timer Ali Havey, 37, from Withee, Wisconsin, finished with her 11-month-old son and noted the inclusive atmosphere. “It’s exciting and uplifting to see so many women of different ages,” Havey said. “After being pregnant, your body changes. It’s nice to be able to still race.”
Volunteers Help Every Triathlon Phase Function
Race Director Kym Zest applauds the many dedicated volunteers involved in planning and executing the triathlon. “It takes hundreds of volunteers to bring this event to life.”
This year, 296 volunteers donated their time and energy to the event, including 211 on race day. Volunteer captains start working on the race six months before the event. “Many people picture volunteers handing out water,” Zest said. “While that’s a part of our event, there are many other opportunities. Triathlons are complex; we need people in the water with noodles and volunteers to help in the transition area with bikes. We also need people to direct traffic and hand out medals at the end of the race.”
The YWCA Women’s Triathlon usually sells out. Volunteering is a great way to stay connected to the community if you miss out on registration.
Sponsor Support Makes the Race Possible
In addition to recruiting volunteers, Zest said engaging sponsors is critical to making the event possible. “Triathlons are expensive,” Zest said. “The race bibs and swim caps have a physical cost, in addition to necessary equipment and medical personnel. Our sponsors and vendors are critical in keeping the race affordable for participants. We are glad to be able to offer scholarships to select racers.”
2024 YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon Sponsors
Who Won the Women’s Triathlon?
The triathlon includes two distances. View results for all athletes online.
Sprint: 500-yard swim, 15.5-mile bike, 5k run/walk
Super Sprint Distance: 200-yard swim, 7.3-mile bike course, 1-mile run/walk
Top Finishers, Women’s Sprint
Julia Curry, 35, 1:11:25
Kathryn Barthelmes, 38, 1:20:13
Mira Stancevic, 38, 1:20:44
Top Finishers, Non-Binary Sprint
Madeline Barnes, 33, 1:43:29
Tricia Olson Pauly, 47, 1:52:51
Ari Sherman, 38, 1:56:05
Top Finishers, Women’s Super Sprint
Greta Simpson, 43, 36:43
Amy Beth Parsons, 40, 38:46
Ciara Westerhaus, 13, 40:27
Top Finishers, Non-Binary Super Sprint
Emily Notermann, 32, 59:39
Danielle Wick, 36, 1:04:49
Top Finishers, Relay
Team Happenin’ Holtes, 1:44:12
Team Dynamic Duo, 1:49:49
Team Wieland Family & Friends, 1:50:37
2025 Women’s Triathlon
YWCA Minneapolis 2025 Women’s Triathlon will occur on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025, at Lake Nokomis.
People interested in volunteering or businesses interested in sponsoring the event can email the triathlon team for more information.
About YWCA Minneapolis
YWCA Minneapolis is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering women and girls. For more than 130 years, we have worked to create opportunities to overcome social injustice, particularly in matters of race and gender. Annually, YWCA Minneapolis serves more than 15,000 people in our community through high-quality programs and advocacy focused on racial justice, early learning, youth development and wellness.