Waukee Schools Natatorium, Waukee, IA

July 19th, 2025 | 8:00 AM

We’re bringing RipRoar racing to one of the epicenters of our youth triathlon racing community. With a longstanding connection to the Waukee School District, we’re excited to launch this event as a way to culminate our (new) in-school triathlon training programs launching this spring.

For the first time in years, we’re adding a pool swim back to our competition calendar, giving athletes a controlled, approachable environment to gain confidence. And this isn’t just any pool - the brand-new Waukee Schools Natatorium offers a top-tier swim experience to start our 4th race of the 2025 Summer Season.

Swim

WAUKEE SCHOOLS NATATORIUM

JUNIORS: 50 METERS

INTERMEDIATES: 100 METERS

SENIORS: 200 METERS

Bike

CLOSED LOOP ON DOUGLAS AND T AVE

JUNIORS: 2 MILES

INTERMEDIATES: 4 MILES

SENIORS: 6 MILES

Run

PAVED TRAILS AROUND TRAILRIDGE

JUNIORS: 0.5 MILE

INTERMEDIATES: 1 MILE

SENIORS: 1.5 MILES

We will have early packet pick-up the day before the event. Join us the Friday afternoon before the race to pick up your packet, check out your transition spot, and find some new RipRoar swag for the season. Packets will include a swim cap, bike number, race bib, and $10 in RipRoar Rewards.

After you pick up your packet, join our course talk where triathletes of all ages and ability levels can learn about how triathlons work - all about transition, gear, and the course that you’ll race the next day!

The course will be marked on Friday afternoon for those that would like to visit the course individually. However, please keep in mind that we do not recommend touring the bike course as it is open to regular traffic.  

At 6:30 a.m. on race morning, transition will open for all athletes. It is RipRoar’s policy that all athletes (including intermediate and junior division athletes) must set up their bikes, and transition areas between 6:30 am and 7:45 am on race morning. All bikes must be racked by either the seat of the bike or by using a kickstand. Please note that we do not allow bike stands in transition due to space. Parents are welcome in transition prior to the race, but will not be allowed in during the running of the events. Don’t worry- RipRoar staff and volunteers are trained and ready to help all athletes as they work their way through transition.

It is a RipRoar policy that athletes need to wait to remove their belongings from transition until the entire race is over.

Athletes will be lined up based on their assigned bib number. We assign bib numbers based on age and gender so that all athletes competing in the same division are grouped together. The order of athletes within these divisions is solely at the race director’s discretion and will not be lined up based on swimming ability.

The RipRoar finish line is unlike anything else, especially during the junior division event. Our belief is a straightforward one: triathlon is a hard sport, and we want to positively reinforce a child’s desire to do hard things. Therefore, we build a massive finish line chute, line it with red carpet, and strongly encourage all athletes and spectators to help make it something special. If we all do our part, we can get these kids addicted to the feeling of crossing difficult finish lines.

Triathlon represents a big challenge for our athletes and we give out big hardware. Every finisher, regardless of place will receive a super sweet finisher medal. In addition, we highlight the top five boys and top five girls from every age (6, 7, 8, etc). The award ceremony is held approximately 20 minutes following the final finisher crossing the line. During this time we invite all athletes to remove all their items from transition. Those looking to leave the venue are welcomed to do so.

Divisions & Distances

Race Weekend Timeline

*Race timeline subject to change and are fluid - if we get ahead, we stay ahead.

The Course

The Swim

Athletes will dive into the action with a thrilling “snake style” swim at the incredible Waukee Natatorium! This state-of-the-art pool is the perfect place for young triathletes to gain confidence and kick off their race strong. With lifeguards stationed throughout and lane lines guiding the way, every swimmer will feel supported as they take on the challenge. Seniors will conquer eight lengths, Intermediates will power through four, and Juniors will splash their way down and back. Athletes will start one at a time every 3 to 5 seconds, based on age and gender, creating a fast-paced, high-energy start to the race. Get ready to make a splash—this is the perfect way to launch into an unforgettable triathlon experience!

Please note: per USAT regulations, life vests will not be permitted.

The Bike

Get ready for speed and excitement on this fast and flat bike course, sponsored by Scheels Des Moines! Athletes will power out of the parking lot with a right turn onto Douglas Ave., then a left onto T Ave., where they'll pick up momentum before turning around and racing back along the same route. A U-turn before NW Stratford Dr. sends them flying back toward the Natatorium parking lot, where they’ll navigate two quick U-turns before heading out for their next lap. Seniors will take on 3 laps, Intermediates 2, and Juniors 1. With multiple opportunities for family and friends to cheer them on, this course is designed for both high energy and high-speed fun—so get ready to pedal fast and soak in the support!

The Run

The run course, sponsored by Certified Piedmontese, winds through the scenic paved trails surrounding the brand-new Trailridge and North Middle School campuses, offering athletes a fast, flat, and exciting route down the finish chute—where all the RipRoar magic happens! With cheering spectators and an electric atmosphere, every athlete is sure to feel like a champion as they cross the line!

Race Sponsors + Supporters

It takes more than just a few extra hands to build our revolution in each community we arrive in. We have two shifts: one for race day, one for set up day. Sign up here and join our team!

Ready to join us at the start line? The TRIBE has athletes of all talents and backgrounds. If this is your first triathlon or your thirtieth we will do everything possible to get you from the start line to the finish.

Youth triathlon survives off of the support and generosity of businesses and individuals in the communities we travel to. All RipRoar races are supported by Youth Tribe 501c-3. Consider giving today to keep youth triathlon going into the future.