In 1989, Mike Jay (Track Guy) and fellow Columbus Junction citizens started a competition that coincided with the town’s ‘River Junction Function’ (the Cedar and Iowa rivers join in Columbus Junction).

The ‘Triathlon’ featured 4-person teams. The first member ran a 5k to his/her teammates up river. The two canoed down the Cedar River and handed-off to the biker who finished the out-and-back at the Kingsbury Inn.

This was the inspiration behind The Weekend Warrior.

What is the Weekend Warrior?

The Weekend Warrior is a captivating four-person team competition set to take place on Friday, May 16th, and Saturday, May 17th, 2025. This event combines a variety of sports — running, biking, golfing, and bowling — to ensure that each participant can excel in their preferred discipline.

A standout feature of The Weekend Warrior is its commitment to family participation and enjoyment. The competition is designed to be engaging for everyone, including children and spectators, with a range of activities and amenities. Families are encouraged to either form their own diverse teams or support from the sidelines in a lively and encouraging atmosphere.

While scores are kept, the primary focus is on fun, participation, and creating lasting memories. The event promotes a family-friendly environment, inviting everyone to take part in a spirit of friendly competition. The inclusion of women, men, and coed teams underscores the event's commitment to inclusivity and diversity, celebrating a wide array of skills and teamwork in all activities. Are you ready to gather your team for this memorable adventure? Mark your calendars for The Weekend Warrior!

Additionally, all proceeds from the event will benefit the Track Guy Foundation and Lymphoma research.

May 16th & 17th, 2025

Tentative schedule:

  • Friday night - May 16th at 6:00pm

    • Bowling in the Iowa City area

    • Check-in, grab gift bag, food and drinks

    • Bowler bowls three games (score averaged)

    • Free bowling concurrently for families

  • Saturday morning - all events in Solon, Iowa

    • Golfers line-up for 9 hole shotgun start beginning at 8:00 am. Breakfast items will be provided.

    • At 10:30am, the 25k bike starts from the SRNA parking lot destined for Ely via the trail system.

      • Bowlers, golfers, and all that want can head to Big Grove, Solon to start the party!

    • By 10:45am, the 5k run will start takeoff from the same starting line in the SRNA parking lot.

    • 25k bike and 5k run will finish directly into the after party at Big Grove, Solon!

  • Saturday late morning/early afternoon - May 17th at 11:00am - 3 PM

    • A social is planned at Big Grove, Solon with award ceremony to coincide.

 

Sign up is open! See what the Weekend Warrior means to us and the impact it can have.

 

Can’t participate, but still want to be involved in something spectacular? Be a volunteer!

Putting on an event of this magnitude will be no small task, so relying on volunteers is a must. Volunteer roles consist of but are not limited to: officiating along the run/bike routes, clerking the 4x200m relay, tracking golf scores, etc…