Hy-Vee Triathlon

In case you haven't heard, we have a pretty exciting event coming to the metro area (and even "treking" through West Des Moines!) this summer. On June 17, athletes from around the world will gather in Central Iowa to compete for the largest prize purse in triathlon history: $700,000. The inaugural Hy-Vee Triathlon will take place in Des Moines and West Des Moines. The Hy-Vee Triathlon components include a 1.5-kilometer swim, a 40-kilometer bicycle ride, and a 10-kilometer run, all distances that match those for the Olympic event.

The Des Moines area is only the fourth in the United States to host a World Cup elite triathlon since the competition began (Honolulu, New York City, and St. Petersburg, Florida are the others). The prize purse for the World Cup event will be the richest ever on the elite triathlon circuit. First-place winners in the men’s and women’s circuit will each take home paychecks of $200,000. It will also be the only World Cup triathlon event held within the United States in 2007. For some US athletes, it will be the first chance their families have had to watch them compete live!

The concurrent citizens’ race—the Hy-Vee Triathlon—is open to enthusiasts of all ages. The Triathlon will offer a $5,000.00 prize purse to the overall age group (amateur) competitor and $40,000 worth of gifts and prizes for these riders. Anyone interested in participating in this race, individually or as part of a relay team, should visit www.hy-veetriathlon.com for registration information and to learn how you can volunteer or simply watch this amazing event for our area!

I will have more information about the triathlon, including specific course information, road closing info, and other events taking place in conjunction with the triathlon, as we get closer to the race. Keep looking!