Two parts grueling physical test and one part serene natural experience, 12 Hours of Wirth Fall will push mountain bike riders to their limits. Individual racers and teams of up to four will compete through night and day to rack up the most number of laps possible on the Theodore Wirth Singletrack. The riders or teams that have managed to keep moving and complete the most laps will be declared the victors.
Information
Time and Location
Sunday, October 27, 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
The Trailhead
1221 Theodore Wirth Pkwy
Minneapolis, MN 55422
Course
12 hours of Wirth will utilize various sections of the competition loop at Theodore Wirth. The course will be approximately 5 miles. Specific loops and trails will be announced a few days prior to the race.
Categories & Awards
Participants may register as either an individual or as part of an open or female team with up to four racers. Open teams are any 2, 3 or 4 person teams with at least one male. Female teams are any 2, 3, or 4 person teams consisting of only females.
The individual riders and teams that have managed to complete the most laps will be declared the winners. At the awards ceremony we will celebrate the top three overall male and overall female racers, as well as the top 3 open teams and the top 3 female teams. They will earn custom 12 Hours of Wirth medals.
Support
Racers will have access to an aid station near the lap area consisting of water and sports drinks. Racers will also have access to The Trailhead building, in which there will be a more substantial aid station intended for longer breaks.
Individuals and teams are asked to recruit one to two volunteers to help staff that aid station for a shift or two – supporting not just their friends but all participants.
While not racing, relay team members can take shelter in The Trailhead. There will be both an area for sleeping for those who bring their pads and bags, as well as entertainment for those who want to stay up through the night.
Cut Off Times
There are no cutoff times for 12 hours of Wirth, however racers must complete their last lap before 7pm.
Parking & Transportation
There are no transportation restrictions during 12 Hours of Wirth. Overnight parking passes are given out in registration packets and must be displayed on dashboards of cars parked in Minneapolis Park parking lots.
The Loppet encourages alternate transportation. Biking to Wirth Park is easily accessible via city bike paths. Bus line #7 comes right to the park on Plymouth Ave
Spectating
Spectating is good anywhere along the course, but it’s the best at The Trailhead patio. The course will also be open all day, so you may also ride alongside your favorite racers to encourage them when they’re in that deep dark place 10 hours into racing.
The Loopet Loppet and 24 hours of Wirth: Winter Edition
If you are stoked about racing for one complete day, come check out the Loopet Loppet and 24 Hours of Wirth: Winter Edition. In the former (in October), runners challenge themselves to 12 hours of running Theodore Wirth’s trails while in the latter (in February) racers either bike or ski the snow-covered course for 12 or 24 hours.
Event Updates
If announcements to all participants must be made (e.g. a weather delay), they will be made at the start location and on this page.
Register
Proceeds from the 12 Hours of Wirth Fall 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.
Volunteer
Volunteers are needed in a number of areas, including course marking, registration support, aid stations support. Signup below or contact volunteer@loppet.org to get involved.
Contact
The Loppet Foundation
1301 Theodore Wirth Parkway
Minneapolis, MN 55422
info@loppet.org
612-604-5330
Registration Questions:
registration@loppet.org