An Iowa mother's love inspires inclusive triathlon in honor of son with autism

Mindy Toyne and her son, Koen, who has autism, stood on the wide Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park near downtown Des Moines on the final Friday in May.

As local women walked neatly in pairs nearby, the mother-son duo donned blue and green T-shirts as he held three Godzilla toys.

The 49-year-old has longtime experience organizing large area events in central Iowa as the owner of her full-service event planning company In Any Event. The company is behind local festivals including Baconfest, Oktoberfest and The Iowa Craft Brew Festival.

Nice Tri, an inclusive triathlon, featuring a concert from central Iowa-based band The Nadas because it's "not a triathlon," is set for June 4 at Water Works Park. The event begins on the Lauridsen Amphitheater and will be hosted for metro area neighbors who are “unable or uninspired to train for endurance-focused athletic events."

For years, Toyne has wanted to plan a triathlon that hits closer to home.

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“An idea I have had in the past is to produce a triathlon that would be accessible for everyone,” she said. "I also have a son with special needs and everything kind of came together at once when he would repeatedly complain about having to participate in athletic activity."

At age 5, Koen was diagnosed with autism. This year, the mother-son duo's dream, seen from the high stage at Water Works Park, will come true.

"It's wonderfully rewarding but also a challenge," Toyne said.

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'We want everyone to be able to enjoy a day in the park'

Earlier this year, staff at Johnston High School and Koen's parents partnered with the Historic East Village-based clothing company Raygun to create a T-shirt, with purple lettering on a yellow shirt in school colors, inspired by Koen's love for Godzilla. The shirt, which reads "Godzilla: The OG Dragon," retails for $29.95 and proceeds of $1,500 have been raised for the Autism Society of Iowa. Opening ceremonies will begin with a check presentation to the organization.

"We want everyone to be able to enjoy a day in the park, so if you're feeling motivated to do so, you can take part in the event," Toyne said.

The ceremonies will also feature Scott Siepker, who is known as Iowa Nice Guy, and a "sip, snack and stretch" session led by certified yoga instructor Liz Regenold. Walk, coast and float events plus yard games and a silent disco will follow.

For participants "who feel like trying," there will be three family-friendly zones.

"Instead of running, biking and swimming, you coast, you float and you stroll," Toyne said.

The float, coast and stroll zones will offer event participants the opportunity to float across a pond in a flotation device, coast around trees on anything with wheels, and stroll around the grassy Great Lawn at any chosen distance.

The event was created because Koen would often come to his mom and ask her to "celebrate and embrace his laziness."

"We always joke that, 'Koen keeps it real!' and he sure does. He's usually saying what others are thinking," she added.

Urbandale-based furniture company Homemakers will be on hand to enhance the “comfort level” and close the event for all participants when the company donates a recliner sofa in a “race to relaxation” giveaway. The company will also provide a row of recliners for participants who seek to chill, listen to live music and relax instead of participating in sports.

"One person's activity that they enjoy is not going to be the same for the next person," Toyne said.

Many mothers give gifts to their children. Mindy Toyne gave a gift, the size of Godzilla, back to her community.

"I'm grateful that Koen's authenticity inspired an event where everyone can feel comfortable and welcomed."

What to know about Nice Tri

Location: Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Pkwy., Des Moines

Contact:thenicetri.com, 515-371-4742; melinda@in-any-event.com

Cost: $25 entrance fee includes an official “I Tried” Cup, free parking, one complimentary drink and a commemorative medal

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday; opening ceremonies begin at 10 a.m.

Events: live music by The Snacks from noon to 2 p.m. and a concert by The Nadas at 3 p.m., food trucks on site until 5 p.m.

Jay Stahl is an entertainment reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow him on Instagram or reach out at jstahl@gannett.com.