Minnesota's Triathlon Scene Continues to Grow

{39~2,21,6,1,104} Nationwide triathlon participation is on the rise, and Minnesota is no exception. In fact, more races are added to the summer calendar every year. Minnesota is known amongst pro triathletes for its Lifetime Fitness Triathlon, boasting a cash prize of $200,000 for the first place winner.

Publicity and its affiliation with one of the most popular health clubs in town draw thousands of participants to this race. Despite its popularity, many triathletes prefer the smaller, less competitive race.

Dozens of municipalities are adding triathlons to their summer festivals, and because of this, many triathletes could potentially race every single weekend.

A popular choice for triathletes is participation in the Tri-Minnesota series, which is a series of 10 races, beginning with the Chain of Lakes Triathlon in Alexandria, MN, and ending with the Lakes Country Triathlon in Baxter, MN. Participants in the series are competing throughout the series, with an overall winner named at the end of the season.

Seasoned and novice triathletes alike declare the sport to be a great alternative to marathon running because of its variety in workouts and decreased likelihood of injury due to cross-training.

MN Triathlon Club (www.mntriclub.com)

MN Triathlon Club offers centrally located group swims, rides, and runs, although members are provided with a complete list of Tri Club members so that participants can connect with those closer geographically.

Mn Tri Club offers great opportunities for its members to do longer bike rides ("Century Rides," 100 miles or less), complete with water, snacks, and volunteers to assist with bike repairs.

MN Tri Club also has links to professionals who frequently run clinics for MN Tri Club members at no additional cost. Membership is only $35 annually, and members are of all ability levels.

Other clubs are often available through workout facilities such as Lifetime Fitness, Northwest Athletic Club, your local YMCA, or Bally's.

Minnesota races between now and the end of the 2006 season:

August 5th, 2006
Lake Minnewaska, Glenwood, MN
500 yard swim, 10.2 bike, 2.5 Run

August 6, 2006
Brewhouse Triathlon
Duluth, MN
Short & long courses available

August 12th, 2006
Turtleman Triathlon
Shoreview, MN
Swim 1500 meters, bike 23, run 6.2

August 12th, 2006
Croixathlon, Hudson, WI
1/3 mi swim, 15 mi bike, 3 mi run

August 19th, 2006
Castaway Club Triathlon
Detroit Lakes, MN
Short & long courses available

August 20th, 2006
St. Paul Triathlon
St. Paul, MN
Sprint & international distances

August 27th, 2006
Lakes Country Triathlon
Baxter, MN
Swim ½ mile, Bike 17, Run 4

September 2nd, 2006
Treadman Duathlon
Douglas, MN
Run 3.1, Bike 19.9, Run 3.1

September 9th, 2006
Square Lake Triathlon
Stillwater, MN
Short Course: Swim ½, Bike 18, Run 5
Long Course on Sept. 10th: Swim 1.2 m, Bike 54, Run 13.2

September 16th, 2006
Best of U.S. Citizen's Sprint Triathlon
Excelsior, MN
½ mi swim, 15 mi bike, 3 mi run

September 24th, 2006
Iron Girl Duathlon
Bloomington, MN
Run 2 mi, Bike 22 mi, Run 2 mi.

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