Lake Nokomis Triathletes Battle Summer Heat

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Thousands of triathletes had extra obstacles to overcome at the Life Time Tri Minneapolis on Saturday at Lake Nokomis -- the heat and humidity.

As morning moved to afternoon, sunny skies created potential setbacks. The race started with at least a quarter-mile swim, then moved to land, testing participants on two wheels and two legs.

It's a competition that already has its own challenges.

"I wound up taking my shoulder out," Jon Bailey said. "I'm going to head over to the medical tent, and maybe the ER later."

Adding heat with humidity, made it tough for not just the amateurs,  but even professional triathletes like four-time Olympian Hunter Kemper.

"It is really hot today," Kemper said. "But I think last week was worse."

Last year, about six athletes needed treatment because of the heat.

This year, the medical tent treated about 70 people for various injuries, and about half were for some heat-related illness.