Ever wanted to be part of the triathlon experience but cringe at the idea of swimming, biking and running?
Well, we have a deal for you!
Come to the event and watch everyone swim, then leave on the bike and then you start and do just the run. You will start at the bike exit area and run the course the triathletes will be running. With a little luck and a quick pace, you will finish before the first triathlete and be able to cheer them on. Once you are done, come enjoy the HOT post race food we offer all the triathletes. This will get you the feel of the triathlons without having to swim or bike. Then, next time just maybe ... The run will start as the last biker from the triathlon goes out on the course. Runners will get a race shirt and get the same post race meal as the triathletes! There will be awards for the top three overall men and women in the 4 mile run. More details coming soon!
About:
Lake Waconia Triathlon is one of the oldest and most beloved triathlons in the Twin Cities. The event began in 1990 and in 2014 Final Stretch was lucky enough to add this great event to our yearly calendar! The transition is in a grassy swale surrounded by beautiful oak trees and sandy beaches. Be prepared to swim in the second-largest lake in the Twin Cities area, which is host to many of the state's favorite outdoor activities in all seasons. Participants can expect to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Lake Waconia Regional Park waterfront as they begin their triathlon, swimming a quarter mile out into the lake and then a quarter mile back to shore. This is truly the best open water swim you will have all year.
Following this, a 20 mile journey around the lake and beyond awaits as participants mount their bikes. As a biker, you will go through downtown Waconia then head north and into rural Minnesota. You will journey around the north side of the lake before heading south around the east side of the lake towards Lake Waconia Regional Park. Once you get off the bike, you head into down town Waconia for a great urban out and back through Waconia. Just as a note, the run is through down town Waconia which is rolling hills area and you will have a few up and down on the way to the finish. Once the sweat dries, come enjoy complimentary food served from Gear Wet Bike. This is a must do on your list of yearly events!
A Triathlete's Perspective:
"This has got to be one of my favorites! This is about the time everyone's fitness is coming around and is feeling comfortable. It's always a well run race with competition for all abilities."
- Dr. Michael Williams
Post Race Event:
Gear West has made a tradition of providing food following the race. Serving up anything from pancakes to hotdogs, it's anybody's guess what cuisine Gear West will bring us next! While in line, take a moment to thank Gear West crew for all they do to help this and many other multisports in Minnesota.
2018 Shirts:
Every participant will recieve a shirt at packet pick up.
Race Awards:
Awards will be given to the the top three male and female runners in each age category: 19 & Under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 & Up. There will also be awards for the top 3 overall male and female athetes, top 3 relay teams, top 3 clydesdales, and top 3 athenas. The award ceremony will begin after the race concludes. Must be present to win and no double dipping. All athletes are eligible for overall and age category awards.
Awards for the 4 Mile run are for the top 3 males and the top 3 females.
Parking:
There is parking available in and round the park and at the Lake Waconia Event Center next to the park. Arrive early to get a premium parking space.
Race Photos:
This race currently does not have an official race photographer. If you are interesting in capturing photos of this event, please email us. If you or your family are taking pictures of the event and want to share them, we would love to see them and share with the participants. We have been blessed to have many people give us pictures over the years to use as promotions for the event! Email us if you can take photo at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Also, please feel free to share them with us on Facebook, Twitter (@finalstretchinc), or Instagram (@finalstretchinc).