Push Fitness Triathlon Finds a New Home at V3 Sports in North Minneapolis

After six years of splashing around at Lilydale Pool and Yacht in St. Paul, the Push Fitness triathlon is packing its swimsuits and heading north. Starting this September, the swim leg will take place in the brand‑new, 25‑yard pool at V3 Sports, a community‑focused facility in North Minneapolis.

Organizer Connie Miller says the move is about more than just a change of scenery. “Lilydale was amazing when we launched in the middle of the pandemic, but last year we had a hundred swimmers and the pool was just bursting at the seams,” she explained. “V3’s wider pool—and the fact they have an Olympic‑size pool next door—means we can welcome more people, and maybe even think bigger down the road.”

The triathlon has never been about crushing personal records. It’s built on a simple idea: make the three‑sport challenge approachable. Participants can tackle the swim, bike and run all on their own, or they can split the legs with friends and family. “A lot of folks hear ‘triathlon’ and think ‘I can’t do all three,’” Connie said with a grin. “I tell them, ‘Pick one, give it a try, and we’ll find someone for the other two.’”

The run is a gentle three‑mile loop that many newcomers simply walk. Connie encourages anyone who’s nervous about distance to sign up anyway—she believes the cheer of the crowd does half the work.

Community partners are stepping up, too. The Healing Justice Foundation, led by Dr. Joy Lewis, continues its four‑year sponsorship, covering full fees for scholarship athletes. Old National Bank chips in as another longtime backer. This year Push Fitness has set aside two dedicated scholarship slots, aiming to keep the roster at least half people of color—a goal they already surpassed last season.

The event kicks off early Saturday, Sept. 12, at 6 a.m. with the Black National Anthem, then rolls through swim, bike and run, usually wrapping up by 9:30 a.m. A food truck with nutritious bites will be on site, and community members are welcome to come simply to cheer on the participants.

“It isn’t a competition, really,” Connie emphasized. “It’s neighbors shouting, ‘You got this!’ and celebrating movement in all its forms.” She adds that the ultimate aim isn’t to churn out elite triathletes, but to expose people to new ways of staying active—whether that’s a quick lap, a bike ride around the neighborhood, or a three‑mile stroll.

Registration is still open, and Connie urges anyone unsure of their ability to give it a shot. “If you can’t swim, try the bike. If you can’t bike, walk the run. There’s a place for everybody.”

Stay tuned: the story will be updated next week with comments from V3 Sports, the new collaborator who helped make this move possible.