News & Stories
Loppet Foundation and Salomon Partner to Launch the CITYTRAIL Loppet, May 2014
Salomon is launching its innovative CITYTRAIL series in the United States in 2014 and the Loppet Foundation is playing a key role in the effort. The first event in the three-part U.S. Series is the Salomon CITYTRAIL Loppet in Minneapolis with the balance happening in San Francisco in September and Chattanooga, Tenn. in November.
The CITYTRAIL partnership between the Loppet Foundation and Salomon is a natural fit for both organizations. The Loppet aims to engage people of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels in being outdoors and active – right in the heart of the city. For Salomon the concept of CITYTRAIL is in the company’s DNA – bringing a trail-running, mountain-running mentality to the city and showing people how they can access the trails right where they live and work.
“We’re thrilled to partner with the Loppet Foundation on this inaugural race in Minneapolis,” said Josh Korn of Salomon. “When we first thought about bringing our successful CITYTRAIL concept to the U.S., we knew that Minneapolis was the right place to start – and we found out almost immediately that Loppet Foundation was the organization to help us make this happen.”
The CITYTRAIL Loppet course will be part trail and part pavement and will include beautiful views of lakes and the Minneapolis skyline. Starting in Downtown Robbinsdale, the 10-mile and 10-kilometer races will both end with a grand finish at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden outside of the Walker Art Center.
“The CITYTRAIL Series is a natural fit for us,” says Loppet Foundation Executive Director John Munger. “Salomon sells the outdoors and being active through its high-quality products, particularly its trail-running shoes. Its goals for spreading the urban trail running ethos aligns well with the mission of the Loppet Foundation.”
The first CITYTRAIL Loppet takes place on Sunday, May 18, 2014, and includes both a 10-mile and a 10-kilometer race. The CITYTRAIL Loppet will be part of Hoigaard’s Challenge, the ultimate test of Minnesota-ness – completing all four of the Loppet Foundation’s events: the City of Lakes Loppet, the CITY TRAIL Loppet, the UCare Tri-Loppet and the Surly Trail Loppet.