Photos: Maple Grove Triathlon: Dare to TRI

Hundreds descended on Weaver Lake Park for the Maple Grove Triathlon: Dare to Tri Sunday, Aug. 28.

Only in its second year, organizers introduced a new twist to this year’s competition – the TriStar111. The internationally known competition brought a first place finish for German Maik Twelsiek, Suzie Olsen came in first in the women’s competition.

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.

In addition to hundreds of local and regional triathletes, the triathlon brought in several professionals, including Ironman Worldchampion Chris "Macca" McCormack.

Maple Grove Triathlon also hosted the sprint (750-meter swim, 20 km bike, 5 km run) and Olympic-style competitions.