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Leadman sells out during cold weekend

by JOSH McDONALD
Local Editor | April 22, 2025 1:00 AM

KELLOGG – With a finish time of 53:22, Meridian’s Bridger Labau was the top finisher for the 2025 Leadman Triathlon this past weekend.  

Labau, who ran in the Men's Age 16-27 division, finished ahead of the other 274 athletes who braved the cold, rainy, and snowy weather on Saturday, while completely selling out the race.  

Shoshone, Kootenai, Benewah, Boundary, and Bonner Counties were all represented during the race, which included racers from Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Arizona. 

The 53-minute mark was the magic number for several athletes, including Athol’s Kyle Delahooke, who finished in 53:31, while winning the Men's Age 35-34 division, and Billy Morse Jr., of Spokane, who finished with a time of 53:45 to win the Men's Age 44+ division.  

Hayden’s own Chauntae Peterson was the overall female finisher, who finished at 1:00:13 in the Women’s Age 31-39 division.  

After five straight years of Leadman being run in near-perfect Spring conditions, Silver Mountain Marketing Manager and race organizer Gus Colburn said that the event was due for a bad weather day. Despite the tough conditions, Leadman was a muddy good time for athletes, volunteers, and spectators alike.  

“I loved how racers, volunteers, and fans were good sports throughout the whole event despite the rain and snow,” Colburn said.  

The race, which begins with a short ski, followed by an eight-mile downhill mountain bike run, really finds its energy when the racers ditch their bikes and go straight into the final stretch – a four-mile run.  

“I love hanging out at the final turn on the run stage into the home stretch,” Colburn said. “People tend to congregate there to cheer, so it’s always really positive energy. A lot of the racers come back to this corner after they finish to cheer on their fellow competitors.”  

Leadman is a community fundraiser for the Kellogg Rotary, who takes the proceeds from the race and donates them right back into the hands of the groups who volunteer at the event. Over the years, they have donated close to a quarter of a million dollars to various community organizations.

Colburn once again expressed his thanks to Dave Smith GMC for sponsoring the event, which requires more than 100 volunteers each year to pull off.  

A full list of race results can be found online at www.myraceresults.com.