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Event Series: Mayor’s Challenge

Loppet Junior Qualifier & Super Tour

February 14, 2026 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Loppet Junior Qualifier & Super Tour

Salomon CXC Junior Cup – Midwest & Great Lakes Divisions

Volunteer

February 14-15, 2026

Loppet Junior Qualifier & SuperTour

The Loppet Junior Qualifier & SuperTour is a U.S. Ski & Snowboard sanctioned event where athletes have the opportunity to compete at a high level under professional standars.  

Races take place at Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis, MN hosted by The Loppet.  The Loppet is a non-profit organization that manages programs and events from the park whose mission is connecting people to the outdoors through experiences that grow community.  With over 7K of snowmaking trails and 40K of natural snow, The Loppet’s Trail Crew is second to none!

Athletes with memberships and/or licenses have the ability to score points (see FAQ below for details).  No membership is required for athletes 14 and under, these kids are competing to earn a spot at Dream Camp (top 5 on the Divisional Ranking List).  For details on the Adaptive Cup, see FAQs below for the different category descriptions.

The U.S. Ski and Snowboard SuperTour presented by the National Nordic Foundation is recognized by FIS as the Continental Cup for the United States—the highest level of competition in the country. Top racers compete head-to-head in a variety of disciplines across the country, with World Cup start spots and funding on the line. 

Register

REGISTER HERE (for JQ and USSS/FIS licensed seniors/masters) – LINK COMING SOON

* Online Registration Deadline: Tuesday, Feb 10, 2026 at 10:00 PM CT

ABSOLUTELY NO LATE REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED

** For Open Division Citizens register through this link coming soon (Citizen registration closes Thursday 10pm)

 

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 & Start Lists

Course map coming soon. 

Schedule

2026 Schedule (link will be added closer to event)

This is a preliminary schedule and is subject to change. All times are approximate and are subject to final registration numbers.

Entry & Start Lists will be linked here.

The official entry list will be available Friday evening the week of the event. Athletes are responsible for ensuring they have been registered for the proper event and that all their information is accurate. Start lists will be posted when available from Superior Timing.

Transportation

Parking

Parking for athletes, coaches, and families will be at the Mortenson parking lots (700 Meadow Lane and 4100 Olson Memorial Highway, Golden Valley, MN 55422).

Accomodations

SpringHill Suites Minneapolis West/St. Louis Park

Book your discounted Loppet rate today with SpringHill Suites Minneapolis West/St. Louis Park, located just four miles from Theodore Wirth Park. 

Book your group rate for Mayor’s Challenge 2026 Family & Fans

Last Day to Book with discounted rate:

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Wax Facilities

All fluorinated ski wax products are banned from Loppet-managed ski trails and events (and per FIS and US Ski and Snowboard for this race). Usage during Loppet events will result in disqualification.

All athletes & coaches are responsible for knowing and following FIS waxing Rules.

Ski exchange during the heats is not allowed. We will controlling skies of athletes who advance through the rounds. At the end of their heat, if they are moving on, the control team will move the athletes’ skies to a controlled location just behind the start where the athlete will be able to pick up their skies before starting their next heat.

Space for teams and ski equipment suppliers will be made available at no charge throughout the event beginning at 8:00 A.M. Friday, February 13, 2026. Two waxing location options are available as detailed below. Teams may register for either, both, or none of the options below:

Trailhead Parking Lot Wax Stations

The North Trailhead Parking Lot next to the stadium will be reserved for waxing space. Space will be available for teams to set up tents, small trucks, or trailers as needed (within space limitations). Teams must supply their own tables, power cords, and any other needed supplies. Electricity for waxing is limited in the area and will be given to those who register for space earliest. Trailhead Parking Lot space will be available by advanced reservation only. 

Click Here to register your team/business/organization for waxing space by February 10.  Actual space assignments will be made by the Loppet and will be communicated to teams prior to the event.

On-Snow Wax Stations

There will be space available on the south and west sides of the start/finish stadium. Space will be available for teams to set up tents as desired. Electrical service will be provided for up to 10 stations on a first come, first served basis. Teams must supply their own tables, tents, extension cords and any other needed supplies. If you plan to set up on the snow in the stadium, please register from the link above.

Branded Tents and Flutter Flags

Ski teams are welcome to have branded tents and flags at their assigned waxing stations as part of their complimentary waxing space.

Any ski race suppliers, ski shops, and waxing support services are welcome to support the event through a Loppet partnership!  Contact sponsorship@loppet.org for more information.  Those choosing not to support in an official capacity are welcome to assigned waxing space at no charge. We respectfully request you do not display branded tent or flags. Thank you for your cooperation.

For all event questions please contact Kelly Donahue, Race Director at events@loppet.org

Results & Photos

2025 Start Lists & Results

Please note that Mayor’s Challenge did not take place in 2024 due to the Loppet Cup.

2023 Results

2022 Results

2021 Results

CityTrail Loppet

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.
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.

Join the Community

Support The Loppet Foundation

The Loppet depends on our community to support our mission through donations, membership and volunteering.

Support our mission of connecting people to the outdoors through experiences that grow community.

Membership at the Loppet directly supports our mission and gets you added benefits to enjoy!

We depend on volunteers to ensure our programs and events offer the best experience. Lend your time at the Loppet!

Details