Lake Minnetonka Triathlon Course

---

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, 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 and cheer on the athletes.

The triathlon begins from the Excelsior Public Beach. This unique 1/2-mile swim goes along the shore of Lake Minnetonka's Excelsior Bay (not an out and back swim) so that spectators can view the entire swim from the hillside above.

There are four red buoys in the water to indicate the course; the buoys should always be on your right side. The swim course goes out, hang a right, hang another right, and you're headed towards shore.

The water temperature in mid-June is typically 70-78 degrees in the morning; however, wet suits are legal and worn by most.

*If an athlete needs immediate assistance during the swim, they should take off their swim cap and wave it above their head. Removal of the swim cap during the swim indicates an emergency and we will get to you as quickly as possible. It also means that the athlete is disqualified and cannot continue the race. If an athlete is just tired and could use a quick break or pep talk, they should wave their hand in the air and we will come provide support.

After completing the swim, athletes will enter the Transition Area and suit up for the bike. Do not mount your bike in the Transition Area - walk it out and then once you've hit the road, you can get on your bike.

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.

*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 may share the road with vehicles and must observe all traffic laws. When passing, check for vehicles and other racers first, then pass on the left and be vocal about it to avoid any collisions. ANSI or SNELL approved hard-shelled helmets are required and drafting is prohibited. 

When returning to the Transition Area, athletes will drop off their cycling gear and begin the last leg of the race, the Youngstedts Run. Athletes must dismount their bike before entering the Transition Area.

The Youngstedts Run is 3.1-miles (5k distance) along the shores of Lake Minnetonka on 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.

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

The Lakes Running Company 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!

*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.