Award-Winning YWCA Women’s Triathlon Stands as the Midwest’s Largest Women-Only Race

WHAT: In an era where triathlons all over the country are losing participants, YWCA Women’s Triathlon is one of the few that grows year after year. Last year, YWCA Women’s Triathlon celebrated its 10th anniversary, won Race of the Year by Minnesota Tri News and jumped to over 1,500 registrants.This year, it’s on track to be the largest yet. YWCA Women’s Triathlon, the Midwest’s largest women-only triathlon, is fiercely mission-driven to empower women and girls. “In this cultural moment, as women all over the country are standing together to make their voices heard, YWCA Women’s Triathlon is a vehicle for women’s collective ambition and empowerment,” says Nicole Hessels, YWCA Minneapolis vice president, Health and Wellness. The event attracts a wide variety of participants – ranging in age from 11 - 80. They are beginners, seasoned triathletes and everyone in-between.“It’s about representation,” says Race Director, Rachael Weiker. “When they see other women in their community doing it, the more likely they are to think: I can do that, too.” Each year, one in three participants are completely new to triathlons. Many call it the “most welcoming race,” because of its warm, encouraging atmosphere and the many supportive features that make YWCA Women’s Triathlon unique – a free training plan, open water swim clinics and training classes that help triathletes prepare to race. Through YWCA Women’s Triathlon, women achieve athletic goals they might not thought possible.On August 12, triathletes will swim 500 yards in Lake Nokomis, bike 15.5 scenic miles along the Mississippi River on the West River Parkway and run 5 kilometers on the paved trail circling Lake Nokomis to complete the race. SuperSprint is perfect for beginners – racers compete on a shorter course. The race draws an additional 4,500 spectators to cheer on the athletes.WHERE: Lake Nokomis, Minneapolis, MN 55417WHEN: Sunday, August 12, 2018

• 5:45 - 7:45 am – Registration open
• 8:00 am – Welcoming remarks and national anthem
• 8:10 am – First wave of racers starts and waves continue through
• 9:30 am 9:10 am – First athlete crosses the finish line
• 11:45 - 12:00 pm – Last athlete crosses the finish line
• 12:00 - 12:30 pm – Award ceremony

Media Contact: Corinne Mattli (Office) 612-215-4107 (Cell) 612-460-1125 cmattli@ywcampls.orgYWCA-Womens-Triathlon-Media-Kit-2018