Saint Croix Fat Cat Triathlon: Something For Everyone
With a course that winds along the Saint Croix River and through lush state park grounds, the upcoming Saint Croix Fat Cat Triathlon is one of the most breathtaking triathlon routes in the Midwest.

Summer is in full swing, and everyone is looking for entertaining ways to stay fit while enjoying Minnesota’s scenic beauty. Whether you want a outdoor event that provides fun for the whole family, or a weekend challenge to test your athletic mettle, the Saint Croix Fat Cat Triathlon offers options tailored to your interests and skill level—in a setting renowned for natural beauty.
Last year, with support from sponsors including Summit Orthopedics, the Scandia-Marine Lions Foundation organized the inaugural Saint Croix Fat Cat Triathlon. The event attracted nearly 100 participants from across the Twin Cities and beyond. This year, with continued support from Summit, registration for the triathlon has already exceeded last year’s numbers and promises to be a wonderful way to stay fit and support community causes while enjoying Minnesota’s beautiful landscapes and waterways.
The 20-mile course encompasses the National Saint Croix Scenic Riverway with a route that takes racers through William O’Brien State park and along a number of lakes, including Big Marine. During the first leg of the race, competitors will paddle 3.8 miles downstream on the Saint Croix River. When they leave the river, they begin a 5.5-mile run through the park, and finish with an 11-mile bike ride along the shores of Big Marine Lake. Afterwards, food and live music will be available for participants and their families and friends.
Although the full 20-mile route may be a bit intimidating for recreational athletes new to a triathlon course, this event is designed with some bite-sized options to appeal to less-experienced athletes as well as competitors who prefer a singular focus. Participants can tackle all three legs of the race on their own, or can work as a tandem team on the water by paddling with a partner. Runners, bikers, or boaters who don’t feel ready to take on the entire course have a third option: the relay. The relay allows a team of three people to divide the three legs of the race between them, with each team member competing in a single leg of the triathlon.
Whether you want a competitive triathlon experience, or a little exercise in a lovely park setting, the Fat Cat Triathlon has an opportunity designed for you. We encourage you to join the fun on July 11th to stay fit and enjoy the great outdoors in Minnesota.
Click here to register for this race
Summit Orthopedics supports healthy communities
Community health flourishes when specialized orthopedic care is conveniently available close to home. Summit Orthopedics is proud of our fellowship-trained subspecialty teams offering the full spectrum of orthopedic expertise in bone, tendon, ligament, muscle, and joint conditions—in addition to our wellness, prevention, and rehabilitation services. We have the expertise to proactively improve fitness, evaluate discomfort, and deliver personalized treatment to quickly and safely return you to the lifestyle you love.
Start your journey to a healthier, more active self. Visit our Facebook page to learn about our wellness services and schedule a free wellness consultation online. Find your orthopedic expert, request an appointment online, or call us at (651) 968–5201 to schedule a consultation.
Summit has convenient locations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We have state-of-the-art centers for comprehensive orthopedic care in Eagan, MN, Plymouth, MN, Vadnais Heights, MN, and Woodbury, MN, as well as additional community clinics throughout the metro and southern Minnesota.
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