Lake Minnetonka Triathlon Course

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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, food & water tables, and vendors will all be located here.

The Commons is a great place for family, friends, and community members 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 4 large orange buoys in the water - the buoys should always stay to your right. The course is out, hang a right, then another right and you're headed towards shore. A group of volunteers will be lined up at shore- swim until you reach them! There are some sharp rocks on the swim-in and if you stand up too soon you may cut your feet on them. There are mats in the water closer to shore where the volunteers are standing so wait until you see them or feel a tap on your shoulder before getting up.

Water temperature in mid-June is typically a comfortable 70-78 degrees; however, wet suits are legal and worn by most.

*If you need help along the swim, let someone know. If you are having a medical emergency or need help immediately for any other reason, take off your swim cap and wave that in the air. Taking off your swim cap means it is an emergency and we will get to you as quickly as possible. If you take your cap off you are disqualified and cannot continue the race. If you are just tired and need a quick break, wave your hand in the air and a paddleboarder/kayaker/swim angel will come to assist you.

After completing the swim portion, athletes will enter the transition area and suit up for the bike leg of the race. Do not mount your bike while still in the transition area.

The 15 mile (out and back) ride has several rolling hills and goes out through Carver County. All cyclists must observe MN traffic laws. ANSI or SNELL approved hard-shelled helmets are required and Drafting is prohibited. When passing another cyclist, pass on the left and be vocal about it.

The route is three right turns, a turn around, then ride the same route back (three left turns). The route is as follows: Depart on Lake Street, veer onto Mill Street (which becomes Powers Boulevard), turn right onto W. 78th Street, right onto Galpin Boulevard, right onto Lake Lucy Road and continue to the turn around (red X on the map) and ride back.

*Please review the course ahead of time so you are clear on the turns, particularly the intersection of Lake Street and Mill Street, as this intersection can be confusing. We will have volunteers and law enforcement along the route, but it is still your responsibility to know the course. Your safety is always the number one priority.

When you return from the bike ride, you will return your bike to the transition area and begin the last part of the tri, the run.

The run is roughly 3.1 miles (5k distance) along the shores of Lake Minnetonka on the Three Rivers Park light rail trail.  The trail is very flat and made of hard pack clay.

Stay to the right side of the trail, pass on the left.

The finish line is located at The Excelsior Commons park next to the transition area. After crossing the finish line, make sure you take off your race chip and give it to one of the volunteers stationed there. *Lost/not returned race chips are a $30 fee to you so please make sure we get them back.