Hy-Vee Drops Triathlon, Plans New Event

Midwest supermarket chain Hy-Vee is discontinuing the Hy-Vee Triathlon events, which included timed competitions for elite athletes, amateurs and kids, and plans to shift its efforts to create a new event series promoting health and wellness in children.

The new series will be aimed at increasing accessibility to children at all fitness levels with a focus on non-competitive participation and helping others. Final details of the new series are still in the planning stages, but Hy-Vee officials anticipate a formal announcement by mid-March.

“We are extremely proud to have put a spotlight on the sport of triathlon, through the world-class Hy-Vee Triathlon,” said Andy McCann, Hy-Vee EVP and chief health officer. “These events will continue to hold a special place in the history of our company, and we thank those athletes and volunteers who allowed us to be successful for so many years.”

The Hy-Vee Triathlon began in 2007 as part of the grocer’s long-term focus on customer and employee health. Throughout its tenure, the event has seen thousands of athletes and spectators, ranging from community members and employees to world-class athletes, and has raised more than $750,000 for charity.

“It has been an honor to watch the Hy-Vee Triathlon grow into a world-class event, introducing new athletes, spectators and our customers to the sport,” said Randy Edeker, Hy-Vee's chairman, CEO and president. “We remain committed to the sport of triathlon, and to providing opportunities for health and wellness — both in and out of our aisles. I am excited about this new event series and what we’ll be able to accomplish with the help of our customers and communities in this next chapter.”

West Des Moines, Iowa-based Hy-Vee Inc. operates 235 retail stores across eight Midwestern states with sales of more than $8.7 billion annually.