Leadman just days away
Racers begin the mountain biking leg of a previous Leadman Triathlon.
Courtesy photo
KELLOGG – The 21st annual Leadman Triathlon is this weekend, and recent weather has the racecourse looking like one for the ages.
Founded in 2005, Leadman is unique in its inclusion of skiing in the three events that make up the triathlon. The first race was run with just 30 competitors, but has now grown to 275.
The skiing isn’t the only unique aspect of the event. Each year, the event generates thousands of dollars that go directly back into the community thanks to a partnership between Silver Mountain and the Kellogg Rotary Club.
“This race is for such a great cause, and it’s a lot of fun for both the racers and those of us working the event. We really appreciate the people who continue to show up and participate,” said Silver Mountain events manager Gus Colburn. “Over $200,000 has been donated back to Silver Valley organizations since the inaugural race in 2005.”
Recent spring snowfalls promise to keep the skiing fast and the mountain biking muddy before the racers even get to the running leg of the race.
Colburn also explained how Leadman is a gatekeeper event of sorts for Silver Mountain; each year, it signifies the end of ski season and the beginning of the mountain’s transformation into a destination for extreme downhill mountain biking.
The race, which features mens, womens, and kids divisions, as well as teams, begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday with the fastest racers finishing after roughly an hour at the Silver Mountain Gondola Village. And then it’s party time.
“The party atmosphere of Leadman is unbeatable, with racers, families, cheering sections, and ski enthusiasts all gathered in the Silver Mountain gondola village for a post-race barbeque and live music on the patio from Leadman Party Band,” Colburn said. “All beer proceeds from North Idaho Mountain Brew’s station in the village also go to support the charitable cause.”
The 21st annual Leadman Triathlon is Saturday, April 19. The post-race party is open to the public, starting at noon and wrapping up at 3 p.m. with the race awards ceremony.
Leadman is presented by Dave Smith GMC and run by Kellogg Rotary and Silver Mountain Resort, with over 100 volunteers from various organizations. More information on the race can be found at www.silvermt.com. For information on joining Rotary, visit www.kelloggrotary.org.