Nicole Cueno, YWCA of Minneapolis Women’s Tri Race Director, Wins 2015 Minnesota Runner of the Year
For Immediate ReleaseNicole Cueno, YWCA of Minneapolis Women’s Tri Race Director, Wins 2015 Minnesota Runner of the Year
MINNEAPOLIS – February 8, 2016 –Nicole Cueno was named Minnesota Runner of the Year on Saturday, February 6 at an awards ceremony held at Braemar Country Club in Edina. Nicole was recognized for this outstanding achievement for placing first in the overall division and first in the 35-39 year old age division, becoming only the third person to earn this achievement. Rankings and historical stats can be viewed at the Minnesota Runner of the Year website.“It was an interesting year to win the award. I look at the past list of winners, and they are a lot faster than me. But I raced a ton and (mostly) loved it. It’s a great community of people, and I have solid and consistent (and enjoyable) training partners to thank. Minnesota is such a great place to run for so many reasons. The community of people and competitiveness of the runners rank highest.” Nicole Cueno shared after winning the award.Nicole Cueno is a USA Triathlon Certified Race Director and Coach and has been coaching endurance sports for 14 years. Nicole is a distinguished runner who qualified for the Olympic Trials in the marathon twice (2008 and 2012). She has served as the Race Director for the YWCA Women’s Triathlon since 2011.Under Nicole’s leadership, the YWCA Women’s Triathlon has grown to become the largest all-women triathlon in the region, and the only all-women triathlon in Minnesota attracting nearly half of its participants attempting their first triathlon. Triathletes swim 500 yards in Lake Nokomis, bike 15.5 scenic miles along the Minnehaha and River Road Parkways, and then run 5 kilometers on the paved trail circling Lake Nokomis to complete the race.“I am so inspired by the Women’s Tri and love getting to lead it. Endurance Sports events and especially triathlons have grown so much in the past decade. It’s amazing to be a part of one that sets itself completely apart. The Women’s Tri creates a welcoming space to explore a physical challenge and empowerment for all ability levels and body types: elite to complete novice. It also represents important changes in our society and world. The fact that there is such a successful race – the largest sprint triathlon in Minnesota and pulling from only 51% of the population - backed by an organization with a mission of “Empowering Women and Eliminating Racism,” is pretty phenomenal.” NicoleFacts about the race:• Voted Race of the Year by Minnesota triathletes in 2012 and runner-up in 2013, 2014 and 2015• Voted by Minnesota triathletes as one of the top five races in the category of Peoples’ Choice Race of the Year – for seven years in a row!• 2009 Breaking Barriers Award, National Girls and Women in Sports DayPlease join us on Sunday, August 14 at Lake Nokomis. Registration is open now. For more information about the race, please visit our website: Women's Triathlon.About the YWCA of MinneapolisThe YWCA of Minneapolis is a nonprofit organization striving to empower women and girls and eliminate racism. The YWCA of Minneapolis has been empowering women and girls since 1891 and is a community leader in health and fitness.Media Contact:Emily JacksonYWCA of Minneapolis(612) 215-4164ejackson@ywcampls.org
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