Lutsen 99er mountain bike race set for June 27 with 1,600 participants expected

In less than a week, about 1,600 race participants will take on the annual Lutsen 99er mountain bike race on Cook County’s west end, a 96.7-mile course that winds across gravel, single-track and two-track trails, pavement and snowmobile routes and features roughly 5,200 feet of elevation gain.

The race kicks off on Saturday, June 27, with the first round of racers departing the Superior National Golf Course at 7:30 p.m.

A section of the course will require a temporary road closure on Highway 61 on Saturday starting at 7:20 a.m. until approximately 7:50 a.m. Motorists traveling through the area can expect delays on Highway 61, Caribou Trail, and other roads along the mapped course. View a map of the Lutsen 99er course here.

“This is a big event and race that is being put on,” said Emily Jeffers, one of the race organizers.

The annual event requires approximately 150 volunteers to assist with following racers, providing rides for those who drop out, serving as race marshals, and assisting with road and traffic safety.

With less than a week to go, Jeffers said the event could still use a few more volunteers. Learn more about the event and volunteer opportunities here.

WTIP’s CJ Heithoff spoke with Lutsen 99er race organizer Emily Jeffers about the upcoming annual event and the need for more volunteers. Audio below.

Kalli Hawkins June 20, 2026