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 Loppet Festival.
Events
Ski Events
- 17K Skate Ski 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
Youth Race Series
The youth ski events are part of the Skiwerx Series and the CXC Youth Cup series.
All CXC Youth Cup and 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 |
Register
2020 Pre-Loppet Registration Is Now Open!
Register Now!| Through Nov 17, 2019 | Through Dec 31, 2019 | Through Jan 5, 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
- 7:00 a.m. – Packet pick-up and day-of registration at The Trailhead
- 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 Fat Bike Mass Start
- 10:35 a.m. – 8K Fat Bike Mass Start
Race distances and times are approximate and can change due to weather conditions.
Packet Pickup
Packet pick-up is in The Trailhead at Theodore Wirth Park, 1221 Theodore Wirth Pkwy beginning at 7:00 a.m. on race day.
Race Day Information
Parking
Recommended parking is at the main lot at the Theodore Wirth Chalet or Mortenson Construction. We encourage alternative and public transportation. Wirth Park is easily accessible via the #7 bus line from downtown.
Theodore Wirth Chalet
1301 Theodore Wirth Pkwy
Golden Valley, MN 55422
Mortenson Construction
700 Meadow Ln N
Minneapolis, MN 55422
Aid Stations
There will be one or two aid stations depending on the course. Expect to find hydration and light snacks.
Course Information
Course Start and Finish:
Start: Youth ski races – Lower Stadium near The Trailhead. 17K Skate Ski and 17K and 8K Fat Bike races – Wirth Beach.
Finish: All races at Lower Stadium near The Trailhead.
Please be aware that biking on any of the ski trails is not allowed until the start of your race. The skiers will be on the course up until the start of the fat bike events. You 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.
Awards
Ski Races:
$100 Framed Bikes gift certificates for the top male and female finishers in the 17K Skate Ski race.
$50 Framed Bikes gift certificates for the top male and female finishers in the Junior 5K ski race. Age class ribbons for the the top three male and female finishers in the following Junior 5K categories:
- U20, U18, U16
In the 1K/2K/3K: medals for the top three finishers, participation ribbons for all finishers, and age class ribbons for the top three male and female finishers in following categories:
- U14, U12, U10 (all U10 racers receive a podium award)
Fat Bike Races:
$100 Framed Bikes gift certificates for the top male and female finishers in the 17K Framed Fat Bike Race.
$50 Framed Bikes gift certificates for the top male and female finishers in the 8K Framed Fat Bike Race.
One lucky race participant from the 17K Fat Bike race will receive a Framed Minnesota 1.0 Fat Bike from Framed Bikes!
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
Volunteer
The Loppet Foundation needs volunteers in all capacities supporting the athletes as they take to the trails! Please sign up for a job by emailing volunteers@loppet.org.
Contact
Address:
1301 Theodore Wirth Parkway
Minneapolis, MN 55422
Phone: 612-604-5330
Registration
registration@loppet.org
Sponsorship
sponsorship@loppet.org
Volunteer Coordinator
volunteer@loppet.org