The Pre-Loppet is the tuneup event for the City of Lakes Loppet Festival. The event includes youth, junior, and adult ski races — as well as fat tire bike races on the same course. The Pre-Loppet is a wave qualifier for the City of Lakes Loppet Festival.
Ski Events
- 17K Freestyle Mass Start (classic track may be groomed if conditions allow)
- 5K Junior Freestyle Mass Start (U16, U18, U20)
- 3K Youth Freestyle Mass Start (U14)
- 2K Youth Freestyle Mass Start (U10/U12)
- 1K Youth Freestyle Mass Start (U8 and Under)
Fat Bike Events
- 17K Fat Bike
- 8K Fat Bike
Register
Registration Closed
| Registration Open | Starting Nov 18, 2020 | Starting Jan 1, 2020 (Online) & Day-of Registration (In-Person) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 17K Pre-Loppet Freestyle | $25 | $32 | $40 |
| 17K Pre-Loppet Fat Bike | $25 | $32 | $40 |
| 8K Pre-Loppet Fat Bike Half-Distance | $25 | $32 | $40 |
| Junior 5K Freestyle (U16, U18, U20) | $12 | $15 | $18 |
| Youth 3K Freestyle (U14) | $12 | $15 | $18 |
| Youth 2K Freestyle (U10/U12) | $12 | $15 | $18 |
| 1K Freestyle (U8 and Under) | Free | Free | Free |
Race day registration will be available on Sunday, January 5 both online and in The Trailhead. It is strongly suggested you register online before you arrive and bring your check-in pass (which is emailed to you once you complete your registration) to expedite check-in. If you are planning to register on-site, please ensure you arrive in plenty of time to complete your registration and get your bib before your race start, as there may be a line.
Registration and transaction fees are nonrefundable, including in the event of cancellation. Registration is not transferable to another person or another event for any reason, including injury. Competing under another person’s name will result in disqualification.
A Note About the Data We Collect
Proceeds from the Pre-Loppet benefit the Loppet Foundation. Learn more about the Foundation's mission, vision, and values.
Schedule
Packet pick-up will be available at The Trailhead starting at 7:00am on race morning and be open until the start of the last race.
- 9:00 a.m. – Youth (U8) 1K Freestyle Mass Start
- 9:05 a.m. – Youth (U12/U10) Boys 2K Freestyle Mass Start
- 9:07 a.m. – Youth (U12/U10) Girls 2K Freestyle Mass Start
- 9:15 a.m. – Youth (U14) Boys 3K Freestyle Mass Start
- 9:19 a.m. – Youth (U14) Girls 3K Freestyle Mass Start
- 9:25 a.m. – Junior (U16 – U20) 5K Freestyle Mass Start
- 9:30 a.m. – 17K Skate Ski Mass Start
- 10:30 a.m. – 17K/8K Fat Bike Mass Start
Race distances are approximate. Start times may be changed should weather conditions require it. This webpage is where any updates will be publicized.
Course
As this is an early season race, we will do our best to give you the biggest adventure that the trails allow by maximizing both the snowmaking and natural trail systems.
Bikers are free to warm up on the bike path nearby as needed, but bikes are not allowed on the ski trails except for during the fat bike race.
For up-to-date race plans: Pre-Loppet Race Plan.
Start Location:
- Youth and Juniors ski races: Lower Stadium near The Trailhead.
- Adult Ski and Fat Bike races: Just south across Theodore Wirth Parkway from The Chalet.
Finish Location: All races end at Lower Stadium near The Trailhead.
Course Plans
- Adult Courses: See Race Plan Page
- Youth Race Course Map (these have changed slightly. See the google map link on the Pre-Loppet Race Plan page. The google map also includes the youth 5K.
Aid Stations
Hydration will be available at the midpoint of the 17k course.
Logistics & Transportation
Parking
We encourage participants and spectators to bike, bus, walk, or jog on race morning.
For those who must drive, we encourage carpooling. All participants and spectators should park in the Theodore Wirth Chalet parking lot or the nearby Mortenson parking lot. It is a short walk, jog, or bike from those lots to the start area.
Youth Events
The youth ski events are part of the Skiwerx Series. Racers with a MyXC Skiwerx Membership will receive priority seeding in the start order.
All Skiwerx Series events are restricted to non-fluorinated glide waxes.
Junior/Youth Age Classifications
| U20 | Born between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2001 |
| U18 | Born in 2002 or 2003 |
| U16 | Born in 2004 or 2005 |
| U14 | Born in 2006 or 2007 |
| U12 | Born in 2008 or 2009 |
| U10 | Born in 2010 or 2011 |
| U8 | Born after December 31, 2011 |
Awards
For the top three male and female finishers in the following races:
- 17K Freestyle Ski
- 17K and 8K Fat Bike
- Junior 5K Freestyle Ski for each of the following age classes: U20, U18, U16
- U14 3K and U12 2K
For the Youth Races:
- U10: podium awards for all racers
- U8: Participation ribbons for all finishers
Volunteer
For volunteer opportunities sign up below:
Please email volunteer@loppet.org with questions.
Results
2020 Results
2019 Results
2018 Results
2017 Results
2016 Results
2015 Results
2014 Results
2013 Results
2012 Results
Sponsors
Join the Adventure!
Detailed sponsorship opportunities and packages are available.
Please contact the Loppet Foundation Sponsorship Manager:
sponsorship@loppet.org
Contact
Address:
The Loppet Foundation
1301 Theodore Wirth Parkway
Minneapolis, MN 55422
info@loppet.org
612-604-5330
Registration
registration@loppet.org
Sponsorship
sponsorship@loppet.org