Midnight Sun Midnight Run July 25th July 21, 2008 The third annual Midnight Run 5K in Duluth will be at the stroke of midnight Friday, July 25th.
Red Wing Memorial Classic Coverage July 20, 2008 The MNSCS series hit Red Wing on Sunday for the popular singletrack filled Memorial Classic. The race winds around the bluff at the top of Memorial Park and features the grueling 'Stairway to Heaven' climb and a nasty descent through the 'Rock Quarry'. We dropped in for the Sport race late morning as the sun broke out and things started getting steamy. Related: Photoset: Sport Race - 355 photos
Hopkins Criterium Coverage July 16, 2008 Rich Spielberg shares photos from some of the racing action last Sunday at the Hopkins Criterium. Related: Photoset from Richard Spielberg: 79 photos
Midwest MTB Racing Recap July 15, 2008 Jay and Jake Richards are competing out on the East Coast in some of the National series events. Last weekend they raced with a number of other top Midwest riders in cross-country and short track events Windham Mountain. Full report and selected photos.
Ben Popp Wins Fireweed 400 July 13, 2008 Endurance Athlete founder Ben Popp won the Fireweed 400 over the weekend in Alaska. Popp hammered out the 400 mile course in just under 22 and half hours. The event is a qualifier for the Race Across America (RAAM). Related: Results: Fireweed 400
Lifetime Fitness Triathlon Coverage July 12, 2008 Saturday morning brought nearly a 30 degree temperature change, delivering much welcomed cooler and less humid weather for the annual Lifetime Fitness Triathlon. The pro division featured tight battles in both the mens and womens events with lead changes right into the running leg. Emma Snowsill captured yet another title, overtaking bike leader Becky Lavelle on the running path around Lake Nokomis. Simon Whitfield broke way from the leading mens trio to take the victory by just three seconds. Related: Photoset: Swim - 83 photos, Bike - 155 photos, Run - 79 photos Results: Lifetime Fitness Triathlon
Midwest MTB Racing Recap July 8, 2008 Jay Richards checks in with his weekly recap as he prepares to head east to compete in some of the National series events. Corey Coogan provides a full report on the popular WORS Firecracker race.
Race Story: Al's Round Robin July 8, 2008 Chuck Ryan reports on the Round Robin canoe races held last Saturday on Crystal Lake near Grand Rapids, MN.
Duluth Duathlon Results July 8, 2008 Nearly 200 competitors turned out Sunday for the 3rd Annual Duluth Duathlon at Lester Park. Thunder Bay's Jonathan Balabuck topped the mens field, posting the fastest splits in the run and biking legs. Local Marlo McGaver was way out front in the womens division, winning by over eight minutes.
Northfield Criterium Coverage July 4, 2008 A Fourth of July tradition, the Northfield Criterium races through the historic streets of downtown Northfield. Friday morning offered nearly perfect conditions with light winds and temperatures in the low 70s. We caught the action in for the morning races. Related: Photoset: Masters 50+ - 54 photos, Masters 3/4 35+ - 64 photos, Juniors - 84 photos, Mens 4/5 - 87 photos Photoset from Jim Wellbrock: Cat 1/2/3 - 100 photos
Tofte Trek Results July 4, 2008 Greg Fangel reports: Approximately 250 runners showed up for the 29th Annual 2008 Tofte Trek 10k Wilderness Run and kids races. Seven-time Tofte Trek winner Greg Hexum from Duluth repeated another win with a time of 36:41. Michelle Volz from Lakeville, MN eked out a win ahead of Suzi Smith of Duluth.
Race Story: Minneapolis Kids in the Tri-Loppet July 2, 2008 Johanna Winters, Caitlin Compton and Brandan Ostroot worked with Minneapolis youth in an after school program for endurance training. A number of the youth competed in the Tri-Loppet last Saturday.
Midwest MTB Racing Recap July 1, 2008 Bluff Riders Charge in Mankato, the Wisconsin Singlespeed Championships, and racing in National Mountain Bike Series at Deer Valley, Utah, are all covered in Jay Richards' weekly round up of the Midwest mountain biking scene.
Race Story: Blackwater Barge Festival Canoe Race June 30, 2008 Chuck Ryan reports on the Blackwater Canoe Race held on the Mississippi River near Cohesset last Saturday. The race featured a two laps with a number of portages.
Race Story: Wisconsin Singlespeed Championships June 29, 2008 Mark Parman reports on the Wisconsin Singlespeed Championships, this year held on a tough course at Levis/Trow Mound that featured more than 2000 feet of climbing in the race.
Stride Ride the Divide Coverage June 29, 2008 The annual Stride Ride the Divide at Buena Vista ski area, north of Bemidji, attracts races for the rough terrain and scenic vistas. Saturday race had the added thrill of some spring rainstorms that made for a muddy mountain biking event. Related: Photoset from Bill Grundy: 38 photos Results: Stride/Ride the Divide
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Duluth Summer Youth Program Spotlight June 27, 2008 Patti Harvieux shares photos from the Thursday evening workout session for the Duluth Summer Youth Training Program. Patti reports: A perfect night! We've got about 30 high school kids enrolled this summer! Most of our local schools are represented with kids from Duluth East, Marshall, Duluth Central, Two Harbors and Proctor. Coaches are Andre Watt, Anders Osthus and Nikolai Anikin, Jr. with help from some gals from the College of St. Scholastica Nordic ski team.
Hoigaards Kids Canoe Derby Coverage June 26, 2008 The Hoigaards Canoe Derby Thursday evening featured a special kids format race under postcard perfect conditions on Lake Calhoun. The kids derby had the adult partners shoving off the boats with the teams then racing half way up Calhoun and back before the kids hopped out to sprint the Thomas Beach sand to the finish. Before the kids race, members of the Rice Creek Boat Club held a mini high school derby, complete with a finish through the "Milfoil farm" in the far SW corner of the lake. Note: The Canoe Derby will be off on July 3rd, then resumes the following week. Related: Photoset: 90 photos
Midwest MTB Racing Recap June 25, 2008 Jay Richards recaps a busy weekend of mountain biking racing, highlighting the Dirt Spanker, Reforestation Ramble, and Superior Bike Festival.
29th Annual Tofte Trek June 25, 2008 The 29th annual Tofte Trek will be held on Friday, July 4th, and features 10K of trail running through the Superior National Forest along the North Shore.
Birkie Bottom Line June 24, 2008 Wanna get in on the ground floor? Register by June 30th and you'll get the lowest pricing on 2009 American Birkebeiner registrations.
Ringer Roll Scheduled for August 1st June 23, 2008 Minnesota's largest rollerski race, the Ringer Roll, is set for Friday, August 1st at Baker Park.
Richmond Road Race Coverage June 21, 2008 A gusty north wind and a nearly mile long climb made for a tough finish on the Richmond Road Race circuit Saturday. The 10 mile circuit featured rolling winds and a long, wind assisted downhill on the west side before riders had the long climb to the finish on the east side. We collected photos from the morning set of races. Related: Photoset: Morning Races - 187 photos
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Race Story: Red Bridge Run June 19, 2008 Chuck Ryan reports on last weekend's Red Bridge Run canoe race on the Fish Hook river near Park Rapids.
Bieg Piastow Enters Worldloppet Circuit June 18, 2008 Ned Zuelsdorff reports: The Polish cross-country ski marathon, Bieg Piastow has been added to the Worldloppet bringing the total number of events to 15. The 50K and 23K classic races will be on March 8, 2009.
Hoigaard's Kid's Derby Jun 26th June 18, 2008 Hoigaard's annual Kid's Canoe Derby is coming up, Thursday, June 26th. The event pairs kids and adults for a fun evening of low-key racing. Register your team today!
Midwest MTB Racing Recap June 17, 2008 WORS held their big stage race event last weekend and featuring cross-country, short track, and super D using an interesting Le Mans start. Jay Richards provides the usual full recap, plus a look ahead.
Duluth Duathlon Quickly Approaching June 16, 2008 This July 6, Lester Park in Duluth will attract some of the best multisport athletes in the region for the 3rd annual Duluth Duathlon. The trail run, road bike, trail run format event features the cross country ski trails at Lester Park and biking along the back country roads up Lester River Road on Duluth's East end.
Tri-Loppet Hats for Participants and Volunteers June 16, 2008 Hi-tech hats will be presented to participants and volunteers in the 2008 City of Lakes Tri-Loppet. The race is just over 10 days away... Saturday, June 28th.
NVGP: Stillwater Criterium June 16, 2008 The Nature Valley series wrapped up Sunday with the popular criterium format at Stillwater, featuring the insanely steep Chilkoot Hill. Kristin Armstrong capped off her fantastic week with yet another victory, winning by over a minute in front of the womens field. David Veilleux outsprinted a pack of 25 up the final climb to collect the mens stage title. Armstrong and Rory Sutherland won the overall series titles.
CXC Announces Elite Team for the 2008-09 Season June 15, 2008 CXC has announced their elite team for the 2008-09 season. Caitlin Compton rejoins the team after a year in the US Biathlon program. Bryan Cook also returns after the previous season spent assistant coaching at NMU. New members include Maria Stuber, Heather Zimmerman, and Gus Kaeding.
NVGP: Mankato Road Race June 15, 2008 The Nature Valley Grand Prix rolled into Mankato on Saturday for the fourth stage of the series. Kristin Armstrong continued her dominance taking the victory with a solo break that extended her overall lead. Rory Sutherland took the two-up sprint against Anthony Colby for the mens win.
Chippewa Triathlon Coverage June 14, 2008 It was an ideal summer day for the annual Chippewa Triathlon as racers competed across lakes, roads and trails in solo, double and team divisions. Bill Grundy provides the photos and results. Related: Photoset from Bill Grundy: Canoe leg - 82 photos, Bike leg - 2 photos, Run leg - 68 photos Results: Chippewa Triathlon
NGVP: Minnepolis Downtown Criterium June 14, 2008 Enjoying dry conditions, a real switch from the previous two years, riders raced thru the streets of downtown Minneapolis Friday evening in the Nature Valley Grand Prix. Kirk O'Bee took another victory, just edging out Ivan Stevic in a sprint finish. Brooke Miller won an equally exciting field sprint in the womens race.
NVGP: St. Paul Riverfront Time Trial June 14, 2008 Kristin Armstrong dominated the womens time trial in the Nature Valley Grand Prix on Friday morning, taking the overall lead in the series. Benjamin Jacques-Maynes topped the mens field in a tightly contested battle.
NVGP: Cannon Falls Road Race June 13, 2008 The Nature Valley Grand Prix raced Thursday under much better conditions, hitting the rolling roads around Cannon Falls. Kirk O'Bee and Tina Pic took the stage victories after completing a final five lap circuit course.
NVGP: St. Paul Lowertown Criterium June 12, 2008 Heavy rains on Wednesday evening forced the neutralization of the opening stage of the Nature Valley Grand Prix in downtown St. Paul. Both fields did race with the womens field only scoring for placement. The mens field was eventually cancelled after a motorcycle crash by one of the officials.
Midwest MTB Racing Recap June 10, 2008 Afton Avalanche is fully recapped in Jay Richard's weekly column, along with a look ahead at the weekend races.
Tri-Loppet Volunteer Registration Open June 9, 2008 The City of Lakes Tri-Loppet is seeking volunteers to help with the big race, Saturday, June 28th. Positions available include: course marshalling, course marking, aid station assistants, boat schlepping and grill masters.
Blue Mound Trail Run Results June 9, 2008 Over 200 racers participated in the annual Blue Mound trail run on Saturday. Winning the 15K distance were Will Smith of Mt. Horeb and Stacie Scrivens of Waunakee. Chris Doyle and Laura Flanagan were the 6K champions.
Afton Avalanche Coverage June 8, 2008 Damp and humid conditions made for a tough day of racing at the Afton Avalanche on Sunday. The recent wet weather forced some course alterations but still provided the lung busting course riders have come to expect. While the sun rarely peaked out, the high dewpoints made it feel a lot warmer than the mid 70s temperatures. Brendan Moore took to the front early and never looked back as the Expert field shattered. Jenna Zander dominated the womens event. We captured images from the Sport and Comp/Expert events. Related: Photoset: Sport Race - 139 photos, Expert/Comp Race - 328 photos Results: Afton Avalanche
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New Brighton Triathlon Coverage June 7, 2008 Enduring cool temperatures in Long Lake and successfully dodging yet another spring thunderstorm on the road, well over 100 athletes completed the annual New Brighton Triathlon Saturday morning. We collected photos from the cycling leg. Related: Photoset: Cycling leg - 317 photos Results: New Brighton Triathlon
Midwest MTB Racing Recap June 3, 2008 Jay Richard's weekly mountain biking recap highlights the Big Ring Classic WORS race from last weekend.
Hoigaards: Experience Kayaking June 2, 2008 Hoigaard's is offering beginning kayaking classes all summer long on Wednesday evenings, starting June 4th and running August 20th.
Grand Old Day Coverage June 1, 2008 A warm and humid spring morning heated things up for the annual Grand Old Day inline and running races Saturday morning in St. Paul. Participants were treated to a new course this year, with the race basically reversing the course to start and finish on the east end. Related: Photoset: 8K Inline Race - 101 photos, 8K Running Race - 106 photos Results: 8K inline, 8K run
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Midwest MTB Racing Recap May 28, 2008 In this week's roundup, Jay Richards interviews Mike Phillips from Milwaukee who is racing on the Nationals circuit this season. Plus the usual look at upcoming events.
Hoigaard's Cycling Team Fundraiser May 27, 2008 Join the Hoigaard's Cycling Team members this Saturday, May 31st, in a low-key ride from Hoigaards in St. Louis Park out to Eden Prairie for a big dinner at Buca di Beppo.
NCCSEF Announces Grant Winners May 27, 2008 National Cross Country Ski Education Foundation (NCCSEF) has awarded $15000 in grants to US elite athletes under the age of 25. CXC team members Johanna Winters, Matt Liebsch, Kristina Owens and Brian Gregg were part of the 10 award recipients.
Race Story: Ski to Sea May 26, 2008 Team CXC's Brian Gregg files a photo report on his 2008 Ski to Sea experience. The Ski to Sea event is a multi-sport race from the top of snowy Mt. Baker to sea at Bellingham in Washington State. Brian posted the top ski split. Related: Bellingham Herald: Complete Race Coverage
CXC Announces Summer Training Camps May 26, 2008 CXC has announced their summer schedule of training camps. The big Birkie Camp will be held July 28-31 at Telemark. Skiers at all levels are invited to participate.
Hoigaard's Canoe Derby May 24, 2008 The 27th season of the Hoigaard's Canoe Derby kicks off this Thursday, May 29th at Lake Calhoun. The weekly race series features divisions for everyone from recreational paddlers to experienced racers.
Black Dog Time Trial Coverage May 21, 2008 A textbook perfect evening for the Black Dog time trial in Eagan as the winds went calm and temperatures settled into the lower 60s. There was a big turnout with riders having an added incentive as the event was also part of the Nature Valley Grand Prix qualifier series. Related: Photoset: 166 photos Results: Black Dog TT
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Midwest MTB Racing Recap May 20, 2008 Weather played a role in last weekend's racing action as freshly fallen trees littered parts of the Cable Off-Road Classic course and 100+ degree temperatures in California made for some dangerous racing conditions on the National scene. Jay Richard's brings all the details in his weekly recap.
Race Story: Rum River Flag Race May 19, 2008 Chuck Ryan reports on the Rum River Flag Race held last Sunday on the Rum River near Isanti, MN. The event features an upstream canoe race to a turn around point where competitors grab a flag and race back down to the finish.
Maple Grove Half Marathon Coverage May 17, 2008 The first running of the Maple Grove Half Marathon and 5km began under ideal conditions with a capacity field of runners. The course began at the Maple Grove High School stadium, and wound its way though residential neighborhoods, around beautiful Rice Lake, and beneath I-94 before completing the loop back to the high school. Half marathon winners were Nathan McCann and Katie Thompson, with 5km honors going to Eric Kalmes and Kate Wold. Related: Photoset: Half Marathon - 174 photos Photoset from Mark Lahtinen: 116 photos Results: Maple Grove Half Marathon
Midwest MTB Racing Recap May 13, 2008 The Minnesota off-road season kicked into high gear last week with the start of the Thursday Night series at Buck Hill and the MNSCS series opener at Harmon Park. Jay Richards provides the recap and looks ahead to the first point-to-point race of the season.
Victor C. Dunder Award Deadline May 15 May 13, 2008 The application deadline for the Victor C. Dunder awards is this Thursday, May 15th. The annual Victor C. Dunder Ski Equipment Awards help support first year high school skiers with equipment awards.
Hanson Team Finishes Second in Nevada Passage May 12, 2008 Peter Hanson, local skier and triathlete, competed in the G4 Challenge Nevada Passage last week, with his team taking second place and qualifying for the competition in the UK early next year. The Nevada Passage featured a wide range of events from mountain biking to towing a car uphill. Related: Photoset: Nevada Passage
Spring Cup Coverage May 11, 2008 After enduring rain for much of the previous day, the sun and brisk winds swept over Harmon Park Sunday morning to help dry the Spring Cup course out. We've posted photo sets from the Sport and Comp/Expert races. Related: Photoset: Sport - 372 photos, Comp/Expert - 254 photos Results: Spring Cup
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Synergy Time Trial Coverage May 10, 2008 There was a big turnout again this year for the annual spring time trial on the Winthrow course, this year labeled the Synergy Time Trial. Racers completed on a looped course that featured rolling terrain and a southeast wind that made the back side of the loop a tough haul. Related: Photoset: 20K - 49 photos, 40K - 125 photos Results: 20K, 40K
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Midwest MTB Racing Recap May 6, 2008 The last of the snow has melted away at Maplelag and Jay Richards is back to mountain biking again. Read his recap on the recent area races, as well as a look towards this weekend's Spring Cup MNSCS series opener.
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Victor C. Dunder Award Deadline Extended May 1, 2008 The application deadline for the Victor C. Dunder awards have been extended to May 16th. The annual Victor C. Dunder Ski Equipment Awards help support first year high school skiers with equipment awards.
Sport Race - 355 photos