News & Stories
2016 Salomon City Trails Loppet Recap
There was not a cloud in sight throughout the morning for the 2016 Salomon City Trails Loppet. Temperatures were in the high 60’s as the first wave of the 10 mile race started on course and by late morning when most of the finishers were crossing the line in Minneapolis, the sun was bright and temperatures were in the upper 70’s.
In its 3rd year, the Salomon City Trails Loppet started in Downtown Robbinsdale and traversed through meadows, wooded trails and paved paths, over bridges and railroad tracks and up wooden stairs. Close to 800 racers completed the point-to-point 10 mile and 10k courses finishing alongside Parade Stadium beneath the Minneapolis Skyline.
Participants had great things to say at the finish of the race: “I had such a fun time! I feel that everything flowed smoothly.” “Thank you volunteers for the great course markings.” “It was fun out there!” “Thanks to all the volunteers for making it such a fun race and for keeping us hydrated.” “What a great challenge – but so worth it.” “Where’s the Surly?!” “So happy I demoed a pair of Salomon shoes during the race!”
Race Results: 10 Mile
Matt Liebsch was celebrating his 12th wedding anniversary on race day and took a detour at the finish to kiss his bride, Marybeth Liebsch, Loppet Awards Coordinator before crossing the finish. When asked how the race went, Matt said, “the course was great and the wooded sections were great relief from the warm sun.”
For the women’s 10 mile, Loppet regular and Hoigaard’s Challenge competitor Josie Nelson, 37, of Medicine Lake finished in first place in a time of 1:13:27. Second, third and fourth place were all incredibly close with Vivian Hett, 20, of Burnsville in second place at 1:16:37 and cousins Martie Kuzzy, 25, of Minneapolis and Erica Sharbono, 31, of Coeur D’alene, Idaho tying for third with a time of 1:16:38.
Josie Nelson was so happy to complete another Loppet event! “I loved every minute of the course and am thankful for the guys that I was running with as we pulled each other along throughout the course. I also loved the party afterward being able to catch up with friends that I haven’t seen since the City of Lakes Loppet Ski Festival.”
For a full listing of the 10 Mile Results, click here.
Race Results: 10K
In the 10K race, Andrew Towne, 34, of Minneapolis took the top spot with a time of 39:34. Xavier Mansfield, 18, also of Minneapolis and a Loppet Nordic Racing team member, finished in second with a time of 39:40, and Jordan Roby, 25, of Wayzata rounded out the top three at 42:17.
For the ladies’ 10K, Christina Roberts, 30, of St. Louis Park finished in first place for the third straight year with a time of 44:46. Rachel Tressel, 36, of Eagan, crossed the finish line with a time of 50:06 for second place, and Tracey Souvignier, 38, of Minnetonka finished in third with a time of 51:41.
For a full list of the 10K results, click here.
Great Beer, Great Food and Great Company at the Post-Race Party
This year, due to construction around the Spoonbridge and Cherry and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, the finish area of the race and the post-race party took place along the Kenwood Parkway Bike Path next to Parade Stadium. Thanks to title sponsor Salomon, all race participants received free brats provided by Tollefson’s Family Pork and a Surly Brewing Co. beer (provided they were over 21).
Participants, their families, volunteers and Loppet staff found shade from the warm sun beneath trees and sponsor tents in the finish area. All enjoyed the friendly atmosphere as stories were shared about the day’s race while listening to classic rock n roll tunes by the Crooked Dice Band. After the awards ceremony, there was a rousing game of whose-birthday-is-closest-to-the-spinning-wheel-number, which led to a few lucky participants receiving free race entries into the Surly Brewing Co. Trail Loppet in September.
Thank Yous
The Loppet Foundation is especially thankful for the volunteers behind our events. Volunteer Coordinator Nancy Nelson noted that over 70 volunteers came out to make the City Trails Loppet a success.
Thank you to all our participants and spectators. Your support at this year’s Salomon City Trails Loppet was fantastic. And thank you to all of our sponsors for their continued support – Salomon, Suunto, North Memorial Health Care, Subaru, GO 96.3, Surly Brewing Co., Hoigaard’s, Gear West, KIND Snacks, Penn Cycle & Fitness, Bachman’s, Bearskin Lodge, f/go, Great Harvest Bread Co., and CHUX Print.
2016 Photo & Video Coverage
Junior Loppet Teams and Alumni take on the Salomon City Trails Loppet