This past Sunday, June 8, 2025, saw athletes converge in beautiful Winona, Minnesota, for Trinona, an event gaining a reputation as one of the Midwest’s most challenging and scenic triathlons
Morning energy was high as participants gathered at Lake Winona’s Bandshell, ready to tackle the Olympic course: a .93-mile swim, a 25.3-mile bike, and a 6.2-mile run. But Mother Nature had other plans. A sudden downpour and brief storm forced race organizers to delay the start by about an hour. In the interest of safety and timing, officials decided to shorten the bike portion—switching from the Olympic bike loop to the sprint course, now an 11-mile ride.
Photos courtesy of Trinona and Cloven Hoof Studios
Despite the soggy start, the skies cleared beautifully soon after. The rain subsided, the route dried under the sun, and the atmosphere lifted. Swimmers plunged into lake Winona under the iconic Sugarloaf bluff; cyclists pedaled along refreshed country roads; runners closed strong with scenic laps around Lake Winona. What began wet and dreary transformed into an uplifting morning of athleticism and community spirit.
Photos courtesy of Trinona and Cloven Hoof Studios
Trinona is more than just another triathlon. Launched several years ago, it earned “2011 Race of the Year” honors in Minnesota, drawing athletes from over 20 states and Canada. The Olympic course is notorious: it features Garvin Heights, a punishing climb once used by Tour de France legend Greg LeMond to hone his skills, and Gilmore Valley Road, a thrilling descent that keeps cyclers on edge.
Even the sprint format offers both challenge and charm, with participants earning custom finisher medals, commemorative T-shirts, and plenty of bragging rights for conquering the “Bluff Country” route.
Photos courtesy of Trinona and Cloven Hoof Studios
The event also supports an inspiring cause: Storm Sporting Events is a nonprofit aiming to promote health, wellness, and youth mental health awareness, using race proceeds to fund scholarships for aspiring mental-health professionals.
Until Next Year…
Keep an eye on Storm Sporting Events, the nonprofit behind Trinona. Between the athlete expo, swag bags, and next year’s summer race, this weekend proved that even an hour’s delay can’t dampen spirit. In fact, it just ups the bragging rights: “I raced through a storm and still nailed the Bluff!” See you at Trinona 2026. And if you’re thinking about next summer, this race sells out fast. don’t wait to register.
