Course Overview

---

The Excelsior Commons park, also known as The Commons, is the central hub of the race. 

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 music in the bandshell are all located here. 

The Commons is a great place for family, friends, and community members to gather to watch the athletes and cheer as they come in and out of the Transition Area and then cross the finish line!

The triathlon begins from the Excelsior Public Beach. This unique 1/2-mile swim is along the shore of Lake Minnetonka's Excelsior Bay. Spectators can watch almost the entire swim from the hillside. 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 at this time of year.

*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.

*BIKE ROUTE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE FOR 2023 - STAY TUNED*

The 15-mile (out and back) ride has several rolling hills and goes out through the city of Chanhassen. The bike route is three right turns, a turn around, then the same route back (three left turns). The route is as follows: depart on Lake Street, veer onto Mill Street (which then becomes Powers Blvd), turn right onto W 78th St, right onto Galpin Blvd, right onto Lake Lucy Rd, continue to the turn around then ride back.

RULES & REGULATIONS:

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

*Drafting is prohibited.

*Racers are expected to review the course ahead of time, particularly the intersection of Lake Street and Mill Street, as this intersection can be confusing. Volunteers and law enforcement will be stationed along the route, 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, check for vehicles and other racers first, 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 run course is 3.1-miles (5k distance) along the shores of Lake Minnetonka on city sidewalks and the light rail trail.  The light rail trail is very flat and made of hard pack clay. The turn around is at Sleepy Hollow Rd. There will be one water stop along the route.

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. It's a big, blue inflatable arch that you can't miss! 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, race chips should be given to the volunteers stationed there. Race chips that are not returned will incur a $30 fee billed to the racer.