Results

Pickle Events is our official timing and results company.

• 2009: View Results Online or as a text file.
• 2008: View Results Online or as a text file.

Photos

2009 event participants can get photos and photo products from Triathlete.com.

Most participants will have 3-5 photos and can download digital photos for only $10 (compare to $25-35+ for many other race photo companies). You can also order prints, poster, mouse pads and mugs! We want you to remember your day of glory!

Course Records

2009 Most Improved

Overall:

By Age Group:

2009 Recap

Despite threatening storms, more than 470 women and girls raced in the Second Annual YWCA Women's Triathlon at Baker Park in Maple Plain, MN. Rain moved through in the early morning hours, but the skies cleared up to create cool racing conditions and fuel plenty of impressive individual performances. More than 150 volunteers were also undeterred in providing a well-staffed, enthusiastic and supportive race atmosphere.

Half of the women, ages 15 to 71, were first-time triathletes. And many trained and raced with buddies or participated in Triathlon clinics to prepare for the big day. The YWCA Women's Triathlon celebrates the fitness and strength in all women. The triathlon, and events leading up to race day, are designed to support and empower women of all ages and athletic abilities to accomplish their personal goals. For 118 years, the YWCA of Minneapolis has been empowering women athletes. Proceeds from the triathlon benefit the YWCA Strong Fast Fit program, empowering Latino and Native American youth and their families to lead healthier, more active lifestyles to prevent obesity and diabetes.

Wet roads and a windy bike course contributed to slower times across the board for many participants who were here in 2008. However, several age group records still met their demise. Race champion, Lydia Novotny, obliterated the 25-29 age group course record by over six minutes. Also impressive was Toni St. Pierre, aging up this year, to slash more than five minutes off the 55-59 age group course record. And Cindy Blackstock sliced more than three minutes off the 35-39 record. Amy Klosterman (45-49) and Laurel Sundberg (30-34) each chopped over a minute off their respective age group course records while Grete Wilt (19 & U) dropped her own age group record another 30+ seconds.

In 2009, we are testing/debuting a new award, Most Improved. This race for fitness is measured as a percentage improvement from last year's race. Leading the way with the greatest improvement (9.73%) was Krisanne Pederson (35-39). Close on her heels were Kimberlie Gales (40-44) at 8.03% and Michelle Dankwerth (also 40-44) at 7.73%. For the remaining age groups, see the Most Improved table.

Competition at the front of the race was stiff. Novotny (26), Suzie Finger (26) and Greta Simpson (28) were all in the first age group swim wave which allowed them to keep an eye on each other. As they headed out on the bikes, Novotny commanded a 20 second lead over Simpson and 40 seconds over Finger. Despite crashing early on the bike, Finger put the hammer down for the day's fastest bike split and caught Simpson before T2. A quick transition by Finger and Simpson meant all three were within 10 seconds of each other heading out from T2, but Novotny ruled the run to have almost a minute cushion at the finish line. Finger held on for second with Simpson third. Rounding out the top five were Blackstock (37) who demolished the 35-39 course record by three minutes and 2008 champion, Laura Swartz (43).

Wilt (17) and her mother, Kristine Ensrud (53) as team Has Been and Wanna Be were unstoppable as they each won their age groups and defended their mother-daughter title from last year (average time 1:28:03). Pura Vida (Cayleigh Kuntz-Shotley and Marsha & Kirsten Shotley) snagged second (1:44:59) followed by the Kandu Kennedys (Bridget & Molly Kennedy) in third (1:50:23).

Twinpower ruled the sister-sister category behind Swartz's 5th place overall and age group win combined with twin sister, Michelle Dankwerth's, 12th overall and fourth age group (impressive avg time 1:25:42). Jill Mastel and Sally Smith of Gotta Have More Cowbell took second (1:38:26) with MAMBA (Hilary Moorlach and Holly Speratos) coming in third (1:42:01). Be sure to check out the results to catch some of the great team names from the 12 mother-daughter and 18 sister-sister teams.

Judy Rykken counts the Women's Triathlon as her 107th triathlon. At age 71, she regularly wins her age group and serves as an inspirational role model that women of all ages can be fit and strong and achieve big goals when they set their mind to something. "I just think of this as playing and having fun," said Judy. And her words of advice, "Just get out there and be active. Anything that you do today will help you stay strong and healthy and enjoy life tomorrow."

2008 Recap

Nearly 500 women and girls participated in the first annual YWCA Women’s Triathlon at Baker Park on August 17th. Half of the participants were first-time triathletes, many choosing to race with their sisters, mothers, daughters and training buddies. Near perfect weather complemented the smiles of more than 100 YWCA volunteers who made this empowering event possible.

Thank you to everyone who helped plan and support, or trained for this historic first annual YWCA Women’s Triathlon. This celebration of women’s fitness and achievement of personal goals showcases the YWCA of Minneapolis as a community leader in health and fitness.