(Des Moines, Iowa) — RipRoar Events (Des Moines), in partnership with USA Triathlon (Colorado Springs) has announced the 2024 USA Triathlon Youth & Junior Nationals will be held July 12-14, 2024 in West Des Moines, Iowa. 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.

Laura Jass, Director of Sports at Catch Des Moines, said “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 for July of 2024. This event weekend will bring in 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.”

The National Championships will unfold as a three day event, all held within Raccoon River Park. The racing will begin on Saturday morning as the annual Flatlands Cup will play host to the Draft Legal National Championship (ages 13-15, 16-19). While the Non-drafting National Championships (ages 6-18) as part of the annual RipRoar West Des Moines event on Sunday (7/14/24). Athletes of all abilities are welcomed to the non-drafting race, including first-time athletes as no previous qualification is required to race in any RipRoar triathlon.

The Youth and Junior National Championship event happens annually in mid to late summer. The event has previously been held in Milwaukee Wisconsin (’23) and West Chester, Ohio (’22). This is the first time the events history that is being staged in Iowa. Victoria Brumfield, USA Triathlon CEO, says “USA Triathlon is proud to partner with RipRoar to organize the 2024 USA Triathlon Youth & Junior Nationals. For years, RipRoar has organized fantastic youth triathlon events, providing a new generation of athletes the opportunity to challenge themselves and have fun competing in swim, bike and run. Each year, Youth & Junior Nationals showcases the most promising up-and-coming triathlon stars, while welcoming participants of all abilities. We look forward to partnering with RipRoar to provide a premier race experience as we celebrate the performances of these young athletes.”

Those interested in attending the event can find out more by visiting www.riproarevents.com.