MINNEAPOLIS — Winter-weather lovers have been waiting for the snow and cold, but this weekend Mother Nature may have overdone things a little, prompting the cancellation of the 2024 Pre-Loppet.
This annual event gives both Nordic skiers and fat bike riders a chance to get out in the snow on a 5K, 3K, 1K. There are also Sit Ski options of 1k and 500 meters at Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis.
On Saturday, organizers announced weather conditions in the weekend's forecast were too extreme for the event to continue. Earlier in the week, organizers said "Our first priority will always be the safety of our participants, volunteers and staff."
This event is considered the "ramp up" to the City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival.
Claire Wilson, the executive director of the Loppet Foundation, told KARE 11 in December that their group has been making snow since Thanksgiving.
"We're working literally around the clock to provide a winter experience for folks," Wilson said. "It's a joy fest, but it's like 800 people on a mile of snow!"
While the snow is in place and ready to go, the mercury declined to take part in the "joy fest."
The City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival is scheduled to take place on Feb. 3-4.
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