Race Previews
"A Sucker for Small Minnesota Triathlon"...
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Wednesday, 30 April 2025 00:10
By Spencer Syvertson
Local Minnesota Triathlon Choices - As we enter the 2025 triathlon season I’d like to share my experiences of different events around the state. I’m a sucker for small Minnesota triathlons. Below you will find bullet point highlights of each event and what makes them unique. I hope you can find a race for you this summer!
Tinman Triathlon in Morris, MN. (Sprint and Olympic)
* Pool swim
* Smaller field
* Beginner friendly
This event is my favorite rust-buster to start off the season. It takes place in early May with a pool swim before heading out the door for the bike and run. If you are afraid of cooler weather then this is not the event for you. The early season date can bring lower temperatures along with gusty winds of western Minnesota. If you want a lowkey race with absolutely no pressure then hop right in! ...
Buffalo Triathlon (Sprint and olympic)
* Hilly and challenging course
* Competitive
* Large turnout
The Buffalo triathlon is known as the season opener for Minnesota racing. As the first open water swim of the season it brings cool water temperatures. The bike course is known for its hills. The Olympic distance is one of the most competitive events in the state. The two loop bike course is one of the few events where spectators can see their athletes in the middle of the bike leg without leaving the venue.
Timberman in Cohasset, MN. (Sprint and Olympic)
* Up North scenery
* Clear water and sandy beach
* Bike course of rolling hills and smooth pavement
The Timberman triathlon is my choice for the best destination race in the state. Just outside the town of Grand Rapids, this event takes place at Sugar Lake Lodge and golf course. The lake features beautiful light blue water and a sandy beach. I loved riding this bike course as the roads were smooth, hilly, and protected from wind.
Buzz Ryan and Brewhouse Triathlons at Island Lake Park in Duluth, MN. (Sprint, Olympic, super sprint, kids event)
* Up North Scenery
* Enjoyable bike course
* Duluth lodging
Another spectacular venue is Island Lake Park Pavilion. It’s located about 20 minutes inland from Duluth. The race reminds me of camping as a kid in northern MN. Island Lake is on the iron range with dark auburn waters. The bike course is a triathlete’s paradise with smooth roads that snake through the forest. Spectators have a nice elevated view of the lake from the transition zone. The Buzz Ryan sprint triathlon in July also offers a super sprint distance. The Brewhouse triathlon in August offers sprint, Olympic, and a kids race.
Hoot Lake Triathlon in Fergus Falls, MN. (Sprint)
* Small town feel
* Rolling country roads
The Hoot Lake Triathlon has a small grass roots feel to it. It features quiet country roads for the bike course and the run follows a loop through Fergus Falls. My first attempt at this race was a fun battle between two guys running in their speedos. This is a perfect race to relax and compete without pressure.
Alexandria Triathlon (Sprint, paddle tri, off road tri, kids event)
* Multiple events: paddle tri, off road tri, kids event
* Newly constructed park and playground
* Bike along the Chain of Lakes
The Alexandria triathlon has grown every year since the inaugural race in 2021. What makes this one special is the diversity of races. Athletes can choose between a classic triathlon, dry triathlon (paddle, road bike, run), or the Tri Challenge (trail run, paddle, off road bike). This event and town has something for everyone!
Green Lake Triathlon in Spicer, MN. (Sprint, Olympic, kids event)
* Positive vibes
* Lakeside bike and run courses
*Zorbaz pizza party
The Green Lake Triathlon is truly a Minnesota type of event. It takes place in the small touristy town of Spicer. You will appreciate the location of this race. Transition is located in the parking lot of Zorbaz on the beach. After riding and running along the lake you will finish with pizza and beverages at the finish party.
Young Life Triathlon in Detroit Lakes, MN. (Sprint and Olympic)
* Lake loop bike course
* Small town feel
Another small town race is the Young Life triathlon. The highlight of the race is the bike course around Detroit Lake. A single loop for the sprint distance and two loops for the Olympic distance. This is another lowkey race with a positive atmosphere.
Lakes Country Triathlon in Baxter, MN. (Sprint)
* Flat and fast course
* Ease of race day logistics
Whipple Beach is home to the Lakes Country Triathlon. This course brings fast conditions every year. The small lake assures calm waters for the swim. The bike and run courses have minimal elevation changes and the thick woods keep the wind gusts to a minimum. The transition zone has additional parking in the same parking lot which makes for easy access to vehicles and family.
Happy racing out there! I hope to see you on the start line this summer.
