Maple Grove to Host First U.S. TriStar 111 Triathlon Aug. 27

One year after its inception, the Maple Grove Triathlon will become the setting for the inaugural TriStar111 competition in the United States as approximately 1,000 triathletes ranging from recreational to professional are expected to descend upon the area for a day of competition on Saturday, Aug. 27.

"We're looking forward to an exciting day and a great experience for both competitors and spectators alike," Maple Grove Triathlon co-director Jeanette Neumann said. 

The name "TriStar111" is derived from the total distance of the event, 111 kilometers (69 miles), and differs somewhat from the American version of a triathlon in that it has shorter swim and longer bicycle components.

Whereas a traditional "Olympic" format includes a 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike and 10 km run, the TriStar111 slices the swim down to an 1 km and increases the biking to 100 km, while keeping the running portion the same.

"It's a 'European' distance," Neumann said. "We had been hearing from a number of people that they didn't like the length of the swim, but would like a longer bike ride, the TriStar111 has both."

In addition to hundreds of local and regional triathletes expected to participate, the TriStar111 will also bring a number of professional competitors to and the surrounding area, including Ironman Worldchampion Chris "Macca" McCormack.

"A lot of people know of Chris from Ironman Kona and he's going to draw a crowd just himself," Neumann said. "There will be a large professional field competing as well as a lot of the Twin Cities Elites that were here last year."

Neumann said that the number of participants and spectators that are being counted on to appear does present a logistical challenge, but that the local community and law enforcement have been very helpful in working through the planning.

"I've been blown away by the cooperation from the Maple Grove and Corcoran communities," she said. "We're working with some of the best in the business for both law and safety."

In addition to the TriStar111, the Maple Grove Triathlon will still be putting on the sprint (750-meter swim, 20 km bike, 5 km run) and Olympic-style competitions, though those events have both sold out. There are still a limited number of slots available in the TriStar 111, according to Neumann.

"We want to offer an enjoyable and competitive day," she said. "It will be a lot of fun for everyone involved."

For more information, log on to www.maplegrovetriathlon.com.