940 Athletes Participate in the 2024 YWCA Women’s Triathlon
Yesterday YWCA Minneapolis held its 15th annual YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon at Lake Nokomis. With over 1,200 athletes registered for the race and 940 competing, it stands as one of the largest triathlons of its kind in the contiguous United States. Athletes from 25 states participated, ranging in age from 11 to 82 years old.
The triathlon includes two distances. Leaderboards for both categories are available 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
Sarah Berseth, 43, is a frequent participant from Minneapolis. She has competed in the event nearly 10 times. “I love the atmosphere and that 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.”
YWCA Women’s Triathlon is dedicated to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for women, and those who identify with womanhood, including trans women and non-binary athletes.
Hundreds of spectators attended to support the race. Supporters can join athletes for the last 200 feet, so athletes can cross the finish line with their support network. First-timer Ali Havey, 37, from Withee, Wisconsin, crossed the finish line 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.”
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 are so supportive,” Bacon said. “As I’ve gotten older, I do it because I want them to know that you can keep doing it. It’s about finding something that you enjoy doing, that fits you, and then keep doing it.”
YWCA Minneapolis President and CEO Shelley Carthen Watson remarks 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 that “when women come together for an event like this, we create something extraordinary.”
Race Director Kym Zest applauds the many dedicated volunteers involved in the planning and execution of the triathlon. “It takes hundreds of volunteers to bring this event to life.”
In all, 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, the reality is there are many other opportunities. Triathlons are complex; we need people in the water with noodles, and we need 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.”
In addition to recruiting volunteers, Zest said engaging sponsors is critical to making the event possible. “Triathlons are really 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 play a critical role in keeping the race affordable for participants. We are glad to be able to offer scholarships to select racers.”
2025 Women’s Triathlon
The 2025 YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon will take place on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025, at Lake Nokomis. Registration is currently open. 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.