Saturday, July 14 marked the 11th anniversary of the Life Time Tri Minneapolis, one of Minneapolis’ largest triathlons hosted by Life Time Fitness with sponsorship from Toyota. Held along the shores of Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis, Minn., the triathlon was part of the 2012 “Race to the Toyota Cup” series, which since 2006 has linked together seven of the top triathlons in the U.S., pitting the world’s top professional triathletes against one another as they fight for a chance to win the main prize — the Toyota Cup.
According to Daniel Brienza, the global race director of the Life Time Fitness Race to the Toyota Cup, Life Time Fitness is “the driving force” behind the series, facilitating the direction, strategy and work done between all partners and event sponsors. “In addition, Life Time owns, manages, produces and operates three of the races in the series — Life Time Tri Minneapolis, Life Time Tri Chicago and LT Tri Captex,” explained Brienza.
“This is my sixth year being a part of the Life Time Tri Series and I am amazed every year how our team can step up and improve upon the previous year,” said Brienza. “The series provides an excellent platform to a captive audience for sponsors, a first class one-of-a-kind experience for participants, and unparalleled support and commitment from the professional athletes.
“The series serves as a platform for the nation’s most promising professional athletes, aspiring age groupers, first time triathletes and children. By having a national series, we have first class event experiences within driving distances of most people’s homes. This is one of many ways we can encourage, coach, and inspire individuals to live a healthy way of life.”
This year’s winner of Life Time Tri Minneapolis was Sarah Haskins, who beat out both the female and male competition for the fourth year in a row. “Sarah is an amazing athlete and an even more amazing person,” said Brienza. “The Life Time Tri Minneapolis race is one of the most iconic and difficult races to win. For Sarah to win four years in a row is a true testament to her ability and determination.”
The series will continue in Chicago, Ill. at Life Time Tri Chicago, which is set for August 26, 2012. In addition to awarding prizes in amateur divisions, the 2012 Race to the Toyota Cup professional division will distribute $574,000 in cash prizes, awards and a Toyota Vehicle. The vehicle and Toyota Cup are given to the top female and male champions at the Toyota U.S. Open Triathlon in Dallas — the series’ finale championship.
By Rachel Zabonick
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
