News & Stories
UCare Tri-Loppet 2018 Race Recap
We couldn’t have asked for better weather at the 2018 UCare Tri-Loppet. Now in its thirteenth year, this annual off-road triathlon continues to be one of our favorite events! We saw hundreds of participants from under 10 to over 70 years old, of varying athletic ability, and from all over the metro converge along the chain of lakes today for a fun celebration of summer. The redesigned course offered a new level of challenge, particularly for the mountain bike segment, that racers seemed to really enjoy!
Racers kicked off their 7K paddle from the start line at Bde Maka Ska under beautifully clear and sunny skies. Coming out of the paddling course at Brownie Lake, participants were greeted by friendly volunteers from the Surly Gives A Damn crew who helped haul boats and get racers transitioned into the run portion of the course. Over the hill and through the woods, runners took on a fun and challenging 5.5K trail run course that was also new (and slightly longer) this year.
After making their way out of the run portion, racers were supported by UCare volunteers staffing the aid station just before the run-to-bike transition area. The run leg ended in front of The Trailhead where we staged our new bike transition zone, and participants were able to quickly grab their bikes before pedaling out for the last leg of the course. Utilizing a mix of paved trails and the new singletrack trails managed by the Loppet Trails crew, the mountain bike course offered new heights of adventure for the 2018 UCare Tri-Loppet. Plenty of climbs, jumps, and fun new obstacles made for a mountain biking course that was unlike that of any we’ve done in the past.
The race finished just outside of The Trailhead, where rockstar Loppet volunteers passed out Gatorade, fresh fruit, great rolls from Great Harvest, nutrition bars from Clif Bar, and plenty of high fives! Afterwards participants enjoyed live music from My Famous Friends, craft beer from Surly Brewing Co., and delicious eats from Cajun Twist at the finish line party.
Individual Results
Matt Liebsch took first place in the men’s category, with Brian Gregg and Justin Bakken coming in right behind in second and third place respectively. The women’s category was won by Josie Nelson, now her fifth year in a row taking first in the race. Quickly behind her was Loppet’s own Coach Kim Rudd in second, and Alison Forney-Gorman in third place.
Race Boat Results
A couple more Loppet coaches made impressive times in the UCare Tri-Loppet, with Andy Harris taking first place, Paul Rondestvedt in second, and Allie Rykken coming in third place. Both coaches Andy and Allie have spent significant time on the water teaching our youth athletes to paddle, and their experience definitely paid off during the first leg of the race!
Paddle Board Results
The stand up paddle board category had great participation, with a lot of 15 competitors this year! Charles Donly took first place among SUP racers, with Matthew Schlosser and Corey Brinkema in second and third places respectively.
Relay Team Results
A total of 31 relay teams across categories came out to race in the UCare Tri-Loppet. Between families, corporate groups, and good friends — the team spirit coming off the course was palpable! This division also had a new contingent of teams from North Minneapolis, including the West Broadway Business and Area Coalition and New Rules Benefit Corp., competing as part of the new Northside Cup.
The mixed team relay was won by a team aptly named The Victors followed by Team Tank in second place, and Swifty Fifty Sixty taking third place. Corporate relay teams included Graham Construction Black Team and Red Team taking first and third, and the Dangerous Man Rebels cutting between them in second place. The Minnesota Parent Family Relay was won by Team Dornado, with When Pigs Fly coming in second place, and Team Munger in third. Team Polk Street won first place in the women’s relay category, Jasmine Strong and the Irish Miracle took second place, with Whaleton right behind them. Finally in the men’s relay category, first place was won by TMT: T3, with Where’s the Beer? taking second place (and unofficial best team name), and Skater Dads coming in third place. All in all, we saw great participation and creatively named teams across relay categories. Three cheers for teamwork!
Thank You!
All in all, it was a great UCare Tri-Loppet that could not have been possible without so many folks supporting. Big thanks goes out to our title sponsor UCare, who continue to demonstrate their commitment to active and healthy communities through their support of this event and other Loppet programs.
Our sponsors including Surly Brewing Co., Hoigaard’s, North Memorial Health, and Go Radio help in so many ways to make sure this and our other Loppet events are a success — thank you! And special thanks to additional sponsors Penn Cycle, Minnesota Parent, Wheel Fun Rentals, Bachman’s, Bearskin Lodge, Great Harvest Bread Company, CHUX, and Clif Bar for their support of the UCare Tri-Loppet.
And in saving the best for last… a HUGE thank you to each and every one of our Loppet Volunteers who rolled up their sleeves and worked hard to make sure everything ran smoothly during the UCare Tri-Loppet. Whether you were a course marshal, medical volunteer, aid station helper, assisted with timing or hanging banners, helped out with registration, or any of the many roles that make this event possible, you have our deepest gratitude! The reason our events turn out as great as they do are because of the amazing community of outdoor-lovers like you who give your time and talents to help us create amazing experiences. Thank you!
Next up is the Surly Brewing Co. Trail Loppet — now in a new start and finish location at The Trailhead. Get signed up early and save!
