LOGAN — Nearly 1,400 cyclists from the U.S. and abroad will compete in the 42nd annual LoToJa Classic on Sept. 7. The race covers 203 miles from Logan, Utah, to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming.
Known for its challenging course, the LoToJa Classic is one of America’s most prominent one-day road races, featuring flat, hilly, and mountainous terrain. Riders face a test of endurance and mental stamina as they complete the race in a single day.
“Many cyclists want to ride and win it, and many have ridden it—more than 23,000 since 1983,” Brent Chambers, the race director since 1998, noted. “Only the strongest win, but for most, crossing the finish line is a personal victory.”
Elizabeth Edwards (Team Zone 5) exults after defeating Jennifer Halladay (Team Hammer Nutrition) in a photo finish sprint to become the first woman finisher in last year’s LoToJa Classic. She set a time of 9:57:07 and won the Women’s 4/5 category in the 203-mile road race from Logan, Utah, to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. This year’s 42nd annual LoToJa will be held on Sept. 7. Photo courtesy of Snake River Photo
Participants include USA Cycling-licensed racers, competing in various age and experience categories, as well as unlicensed cyclists in the non-competitive cyclo sportive. The race, starting from Logan’s Sunrise Cyclery at 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, has 28 categories departing in four-minute intervals. Each category typically has 40-50 riders.
The fastest racers usually finish by early afternoon, with the current records standing at 8:18:29 for men and 9:35:00 for women. Most riders complete the course in 10 to 13 hours. Winners receive cash and/or merchandise, and all finishers get commemorative medals. The scenic route includes views of the Grand Teton and Jackson Hole area.
The LoToJa Classic spans northeastern Utah, southeastern Idaho, and western Wyoming, featuring three mountain passes with 35 miles of climbing and nearly 10,000 vertical feet.
As the longest one-day USA Cycling-sanctioned road race in America, LoToJa is also among the oldest. The race’s allure, breathtaking scenery, and finish at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort contribute to its lasting popularity.
Each April, several thousand cyclists register online, but only about 1,800 are accepted. This year, cyclists from 39 states, Canada, Mexico, and Norway are participating.
With the Grand Teton in view, racers chase across the Wilson Bike Path Bridge in last year’s LoToJa Classic. After crossing the bridge, cyclists have seven miles to the finish line in the 203-mile road race from Logan, Utah, to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. This year’s 42nd annual LoToJa will be held on Sept. 7. Photo courtesy of Snake River Photo
LoToJa also serves as a major fundraiser for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation and other health-related organizations, with nearly $3 million raised for Huntsman alone over the years.
Founded in 1983 by two Logan cyclists aiming to replicate European one-day races, LoToJa began with just seven participants. The course has since expanded to over 200 miles.
Safety is a priority, with restricted vehicle traffic on certain roads during the race. Motorists are advised to use caution around cyclists.
For the upcoming LoToJa cycling event, cyclists and support crews will take different routes between Logan and Preston to reduce congestion. Licensed USA Cycling racers will follow US-91 through Smithfield, Richmond, and Franklin, while cyclosportive riders and relay participants will travel along state Route 23, 61, and 200.
In Logan, cyclists will be present from 5:30 to 8 a.m. on several roads, and police will assist with traffic control. Support crews for cyclosportive riders will use US-91, while crews for licensed racers will use US-89 via Logan Canyon.
Preston residents will see cyclists throughout the morning on September 7 as they navigate specific routes in the city, with police managing traffic at key intersections. Eastbound traffic will be restricted on state Route 36 and US-89 for safety. Motorists are advised to pass cyclists cautiously, ensuring at least three feet of space and waiting for clear oncoming traffic before overtaking.
LoToJa brings an estimated 4,000 people to Logan and Jackson, benefiting local hotels and restaurants. The race relies on more than 600 volunteers and support from community businesses and public safety officials, including 130 HAM radio volunteers from the Bridgerland Amateur Radio Club, ensuring uninterrupted communication along the route.
For more details, visit lotoja.com.