Course Overview

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The Excelsior Commons is the central hub of the race and is where you will find race day packet pick-up, body markings, the mandatory pre-race meeting, transition area, finish line, awards ceremony, refreshments, bathrooms, first aid, vendor booths, and live music.

The Commons is a great place for family, friends, and community members to gather to watch and cheer on the racers as they are in the Transition Area and crossing the finish line!

Address: 135 Lake St, Excelsior, MN 55331

The triathlon begins from the Excelsior Public Beach. This unique 1/2-mile swim goes along the shore of Lake Minnetonka's Excelsior Bay. The swim course is indicated by large orange buoys - the course goes out, hang a right at the first buoy, hang another right, and swim towards shore.

RULES & REGULATIONS:

*Wet suits are legal and worn by most, but are not required. The water temperature is typically 70-78 degrees in mid-June.

*Buoys should always remain on the athlete's right side. (No cutting inside the buoys!)

*If an athlete needs immediate assistance, they should take off their swim cap and wave it around in the air. Removing your swim cap while in the water indicates an emergency and will be treated as such. It also means that the athlete is disqualified and cannot continue the race. 

*If an athlete needs a quick break or pep talk, they should wave their hand in the air and someone from our water support team will come over to assist.

*Athletes may briefly hold on to a kayak, paddleboard, jet ski, etc.; however, they cannot get on one unless they are done racing and will be disqualified.

Please note that the bike course has changed for 2023. 

Link to MapMyRide: https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/5406764662/

The 11.1-mile bike route starts out down Lake St, taking a left on Excelsior Blvd towards Maynards, left turn onto Minnetonka Blvd, continue on Minnetonka Blvd until you reach Vine Hill Rd, take a right on Vine Hill Rd, right on Excelsior Blvd, right on Saint Albans Bay Rd, make another loop (right on Minnetonka Blvd, right on Vine Hill Rd, right on Excelsior Blvd), then take Excelsior Blvd back to The Commons.

RULES & REGULATIONS:

*Mounting/dismounting your bike should always take place on the road outside of the Transition Area, never in the Transition Area.

*Drafting is prohibited.

*Racers are expected to review the course ahead of time. Volunteers will be stationed along the route to help guide, but it is each racer's responsibility to know the course and to be aware of their surroundings at all times.

*Cyclists will share the road with vehicles and must observe all traffic laws. The bike is not a closed course. When passing, first check for vehicles and other racers, then pass on the left and be vocal about it to avoid any collisions.

*An ANSI or SNELL approved hard-shelled helmet is required and must be worn throughout the entire bike portion of the race.

*Race numbers must be displayed where they are visible to volunteers and race officials (bike helmet adhesive and bike seat post adhesive).

The 3.1-mile (5k) course is sponsored by Youngstedts and runs along the shores of Lake Minnetonka on city sidewalks and the light rail trail.  The light rail trail is flat and made of hard pack clay. The turn around is at Sleepy Hollow Rd.

RULES & REGULATIONS:

*Runners should stay to the right side of the trail, except when passing. Always pass on the left and be vocal about it to avoid any collisions.

*The path is a little narrow at Veterans Park so be extra cautious of other racers around you.

*Racers must wear their race bib throughout the entire run portion of the race where it is visible to volunteers and race officials. It can either be worn on a race belt or pinned to your shirt.

The Finish Line is located at The Excelsior Commons, right next to the Transition Area. Spectators are encouraged to line up along the fence line to cheer on the racers as they cross the finish line!

After crossing the finish line, turn in your race chip to one of the volunteers, then help yourself to some refreshments and enjoy the live music!