Latest News – February 24

Colorful Leadville Loppet’s 13th Year, Benefits MBT

by Brennan Ruegg, Leadville Today contributor

Leadville’s Nordic ski race returned in its 13th year last Sunday, Feb. 21. The 2016 Leadville Loppet, annual fundraiser for the Mineral Belt Trail (MBT), was set under mild weather and over slick trails behind Colorado Mountain College (CMC). In tradition, it was a colorful turnout, with 125 participants competing in the 10k, 22k, and 44k races, along with a horde of costumed skiers of various sizes participating in the fun 5k. Proceeds benefit continued growth and maintenance of Leadville’s trophy year-round recreational path, the MBT.

Skiers run down the final stretch of the 5k in wardrobe. Photo: Leadville Today/Brennan Ruegg

Leadville’s females showed particularly strong this year, taking first place in both 10k classes (Classic and Freestyle) and the 44k Classic. They were, respectively Hannah Holm (1:06:02), Bobbie Jones (37:45), and Margi Dashevsky (5:53:02). Talus Shreiber of Leadville also won first place 10 & Under in the 5k.

Skiers run down the final stretch of the 5k in wardrobe. Photo: Leadville Today/Brennan Ruegg

Here are first place results of the 2016 Leadville Loppet:

10k Classic: Male: Ethan Greiner of Buena Vista (37:06) Female: Hannah Holm of Leadville (1:06:02)

10k Freestyle: Male: Taylor Stack of Salida (28:36) Female: Bobbie Jones of Leadville (37:45)

44k Classic: Male: Jamie Mothersbaugh of Boulder (2:46:22) Female: Margi Dashevsky of Leadville (5:53:02)

44k Freestyle: Male: Clay Lovett of Steamboat Springs (1:56:04) Female: Emily Lovett of Steamboat Springs (2:56:17)

22k Classic: Male: Ray McGaughey of Leadville (1:14:39) Female: Sue Griffith of Boulder (1:42:06)

22k Freestyle: Male: Tyler Scholl of Kremmling (1:09:56) Female: Tabor Scholl of Kremmling (1:12:47)

For a full listing of results click here.

Abby Long doles out soup of a million kinds for hungry competitors. Photo: Leadville Today/Brennan Ruegg

Races took place all morning, followed by trivia and awards presented by Mayor Greg Labbe, along with an endless table of soups and chilis in the CMC Gym. Blue Earth provided a massage table for returning skiers. Sponsors of the Leadville Loppet and the MBT, including High Mountain Pies and Melanzana, heavily participate and cooperate to bring what has become a long-standing tradition and ‘fun’raiser for Leadville and the regions skiers.

Missed the Loppet? Well boot up and set off on the MBT any day of the year; it always offers an outdoor sportsman a challenge, and thanks to fundraisers like the Leadville Loppet, it will be around for a long time to come.

Lined up for the 10k to begin. Photo: Leadville Today/Brennan Ruegg

Brennan Ruegg is from Akron, OH.