Wirth on Wednesday

Mountain Bike Race Series

July 30th 2pm Update: ⚠️ Elevated AQI Forecasted. An air quality index (AQI) level of around 150 is forecasted for tonight’s event. This level of air pollution is considered “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” and could get up to “Unhealthy” if over 150. Please monitor your health and take appropriate precautions for yourself. The Trailhead building is available for participants to hang out in, please leave bikes outside. For Loppet programming updates, please wait to hear from your program admin.

JUNE | JULY | AUGUST

Wirth on Wednesdays

A spotlight shines bright on the Loppet Foundation-managed singletrack trails at Theodore Wirth Park with the return of the popular spring and summer mountain bike race series. Meet us at The Trailhead for the Wirth on Wednesdays (WOW) events.

The Trailhead at Theodore Wirth Park has some of the most accessible trails around, including the popular Conundrum, Area 36, 45 North singletrack loops, all linked by the amazing paved trail network composed of the Grand Rounds, Theodore Wirth Parkway, and Luce Line trails.

Saddle up and get ready to ride in this fun race series that will surely WOW you!

2025 Event Dates and Race Hosts

Wednesday, ~~June 11~~ postponed to June 18 hosted by VERSUS Race Team
Wednesday, ~~June 25~~ cancelled hosted by Utepils Cycling
Wednesday, July 9 hosted by Little Bellas
Wednesday, ~~July 23~~ postponed to July 30 Women & Non-Binary Week hosted by Unruly Women
- Races this week are for those who identify as: Women, Non-Binary, Trans Women & Gender Expansive
- *The kids races will remain open to all children*
- ALL are welcome to celebrate, support and volunteer!
- Join Unruly Women with a course preview on July 17th – more info here
Wednesday, August 6 hosted by The Hollywood Cycles
Wednesday, August 20 hosted by Utepils Cycling

GALLERY

Register

Adults

Starting 1/1/25

$25

Register

Youth (17 and under)

Starting 1/1/25

$15

Register

Youth (8 and under)

Starting 1/1/25

Free

Register

Proceeds from the Wirth on Wednesdays benefit the Loppet Foundation. Learn more about the Foundation’s mission, vision, and values.

Registration and transaction fees are non-refundable, including in the event of delay, rescheduling, or cancellation of an event or program. An event or program registration is not transferable to another person or another event for any reason, including injury. Participating under another person’s name will result in disqualification.

A Note About the Data We Collect

Schedule & Packet Pickup

Schedule

The loops consist of variations of our Area 36 trails at The Trailhead in Theodore Wirth Park. Each lap is a little over 3 miles. Click here for Google Course Map.

4:15pm-7:00pm Packet Pickup/Registration
5:15PM 2 Lap Race: 30-50 minutes
5:19PM 1 Lap Race: 15-25 minutes (mostly 8-18 year old participants)
6:00PM 4 Lap Race: 50-70 minutes
6:10PM Popsicle Kids Race (free!):
- Pedal (6:10pm) & Strider (6:15pm) waves, both on the skills loop, usually ride for about 5 min (all kids are welcome, 8 and under)
7:00PM 3 Lap Race: 40-50 minutes

Format for the series is mass start.

Fat bikes are welcome, though there is no separate category for fat bikes. No e-bikes.

Course

The loops consist of variations of our Area 36 trails at The Trailhead in Theodore Wirth Park. Each lap is a little over 3 miles. Click here for Google Course Map.

Checkin and Start Area

Registration and check in will be in the ticket booth in The Trailhead (1221 Theodore Wirth Pkwy)
The start area is just north of the Trailhead near the back patio. Follow the small gravel path near The Trailhead entrance.
The race course for all races is on and around the Area 36 trail (closed to the public during the races)

Transportation

Parking & Transportation

We encourage biking from your house if you are able. For those who must drive, we encourage carpooling. All participants and spectators who drive should park in the nearby Mortenson parking lot. It is a short bike ride from there using the Grand Rounds Bike Trail (along Theodore Wirth Parkway) to the start area.

Awards & Raffle Drawings

Awards

1 Lap: The top 3 male, female and non-binary finishers in the 1 lap (youth) race will be awarded a swag item.

The top 3 male, female and non-binary finishers in each of the 2, 3, and 4 lap races will be awarded a prize to be announced.

First place male, female and nonbinary participants in the Single Speed Division will get a grab at the raffle prizes.

Raffle Drawings

Stick around after your race for the chance to win some awesome swag items provided by our nightly Race Host, series Sponsors, and the Loppet.

Winners will be drawn from registered participants after each of the 4 races and be called up to the announcers table for their choice of the available items.

OUR SPONSORS

Become a Loppet Partner

WOW HOSTS

Wirth on Wednesdays

FAQ

Can I change my race distance or transfer my entry to a friend?

The deadline to make race distance changes is 4:00pm on the Friday a week before the race. After that, a registrant wishing to change to a shorter distance will need to register and pay the full fee for the new race distance.
You can change which event you registered for through RunSignUp. Click here for a video on how to switch your registration and instructions to help with troubleshooting. Event transfers can be made up until 11:59 p.m. on May 13.

Is there a Single Speed Division?

Yes! Bring your Single Speed bikes for the 2, 3, or 4 lap race. By selecting this division in registration you’ll show up in overall results along with separate Single Speed results. First place male, female and nonbinary participants in the Single Speed Division will get a grab at the raffle prizes.

What does my entry fee go towards?

Entry fees go towards the production of the event and The Loppet mission of connecting people to the outdoors through experiences that grow community!

When will the participant guide be published?

Typically we send it out to registered participants and post it on the event website about 1 week ahead of the event.

Are there any special group discounts?

Email events@loppet.org if you’re part of a run club to see if there’s a way for us to partner with each other.
As a way to recognize the Dakota land we run with and steward, all Indigenous people can participate in any Loppet event for free by emailing events@loppet.org and requesting a discount code

Are dogs allowed at this event?

While we love your furry friends please leave them at home for these large Loppet events.

Are strollers allowed?

The Juneteenth Fun Run is fully on pavement and is our stroller friendly course. All other event courses are not conducive to strollers (CityTrail Loppet, Utepils Trail Loppet, City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival, Luminary Loppet). Spectators are welcome to have strollers around the venue though.

Who do I contact about the race if I have a question?

The Loppet Foundation
1301 Theodore Wirth Parkway
Minneapolis, MN 55422
events@loppet.org
612-604-5330
Registration: registration@loppet.org
Sponsorship: sponsorship@loppet.org

I have special accessibility requirements, who can I talk to about this?

Reach out to events@loppet.org and we can talk about how we can support you.

Do people ever take walking breaks during the race?

Yes! This is your race, take the breaks you need to feel good during your event. All Loppet races have course cut off times, check the participant guide for the course cut off time that you have to be finished by.

I’m a spectator, where should I watch or what do I need to know?

Check the Mtec app to see if there’s live tracking for the event.
Check the course and transportation sections of the website for details
Loud cheering, fun signs, cowbells, noise makers, music are all highly encouraged. Please keep cheers and signs positive and respectful.
Food & beverages are available for purchase at the finish line (best to bring your credit card!)

Will you have merchandise available for sale?

Yes! Come check out our awesome merch in the adventure shop at the Trailhead or at the finish line.

Results & Photos

2025 Results & Photos

2024 Results & Photos

2023 Results & Photos

All race results can be found on the Wirth on Wednesday Results Landing Page here
Week 1 Photos by Sofie Edevold
Week 2 Photos by Lawrence Pry
Week 4 Photos by Willie Nordstrom
Week 4 Photos by David Samuels
Week 4 Photos by Lawrence Pry
Week 6 Photos by Cary Johnson

2022 Results

For all races, go to the Wirth on Wednesday Results Landing Page

Upcoming Loppet Events

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Wirth on Wednesdays