Des Moines, IA – The 2024 USA Triathlon Youth and Junior Nationals, a premier event in youth triathlon, will take place this weekend at Raccoon River Park. The event is set to host more than 1,000 athletes ages 7-19 from across the country to compete for the highest annual youth honors within the sport of triathlon. Catch Des Moines estimates that the event will have more than $750,000 in economic impact on the region. 

RipRoar Events, a Des Moines-based company dedicated to promoting youth triathlons, is excited to host multiple events this weekend as part of its annual RipRoar Youth Triathlon Series.  

“For more than a decade, the RipRoar races has had the feel of a national championship. We’re thrilled that for 2024 our races will officially play host to the top step of our sport,” said RipRoar Race Director Michael Zimmerman. “The best thing about triathlon is its accessibility to anyone with determination and a bike.” 

Yet, the RipRoar races are only part of this this weekend’s calendar of events. The annual Flatlands Cup triathlon, hosted by Elita Events of Des Moines will also be hosting the national championships for youth Draft-Legal racing. 

A Rich History for Triathlon At Raccoon River Park 

USA Triathlon Youth & Junior Nationals will take place within Raccoon River Park in West Des Moines, which has a rich triathlon history dating back to 2008 when the Hy-Vee Triathlon served as the final U.S. Olympic qualifying race for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. 

“Greater Des Moines has a long history of hosting nationally recognized triathlons, and we are thrilled to add USA Triathlon’s Youth and Junior Nationals to the list this year,” said Laura Jass, Director of Sports at Catch Des Moines. “This weekend’s event will welcome 1,000 youth triathletes and their families to our community. We are excited to highlight Raccoon River Park in West Des Moines and build on the events that Flatland Youth Elite and Junior Draft Cup and RipRoar Youth Triathlon have held for years.” 

Des Moines is Home to Top Returning Athletes  

Triathlon’s deep roots in Des Moines don’t just include its storied history of racing. A number of winners from last year’s Youth and Junior Nationals reside here in Des Moines.  

Theo Tollakson, of Des Moines, is no stranger to the top step of the podium. In additional to being the reigning National Champion for the 10 year old boys (Now 11), his sister Drew was last year’s runner up for the 9 year old females.  

For the draft legal racing, last year’s Youth Development Women’s Draft-Legal Division Champion Alexis Hergenreter of Polk City will be looking to defend the title she won last year in Milwaukee this weekend on home soil. Hergenreter has just completed her Freshman year at Ankeny High School is a local stand out runner and swimmer.  

Schedule of Events:  

This weekend’s events start at 6:30 AM Saturday morning for the Draft Legal Nationals Championship events and continue throughout the day. Sunday’s events start at 7:15AM and feature athletes ages 7-12 years old as well as divisions for Adaptive athletes. The event concludes with a Mixed Relay event that features 4 person teams of two men and two women competing for an overall team award.  

“This is more than just a race; it's an experience that encourages hard work, healthy lifestyles, and camaraderie among young athletes,” said Zimmerman. “We are thrilled to host the USA Triathlon Youth and Junior Nationals and can't wait to see the incredible talent and sportsmanship on display.” 

About RipRoar Events: 

RipRoar Events is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of triathletes through dynamic, inclusive, and challenging youth triathlon events. Founded by Michael Zimmerman, RipRoar Events has grown from hosting local races to becoming a key player in the national youth triathlon scene, producing events that are as fun as they are competitive. 

For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact:  

Event Director:  Michael Zimmerman at michael@riproarevents.com or call 319-721-7837. 
TJ Tollakson (father of Theo, Drew, and Frankie): tollakson@gmail.com or call 515-240-1956 
Joel Hergenreter (father of Alexis Hergenreter): joelhergenreter@gmail.com or call 515-371-4038