Meridian man wins Leadman

KELLOGG — Meridian’s Bridger Labau won the 2025 Leadman Triathlon on Saturday.

Labau, in the 16-27 age group, finished in 53 minutes and 22 seconds to top 274 athletes who braved the cold, rainy and snowy weather for the sold-out race.  

Athol’s Kyle Delahooke finished in 53:31 while winning the man's 35-34 age division, and Billy Morse Jr., of Spokane, finished in 53:45 to win the men's 44+ division.

Hayden’s Chauntae Peterson was the first female finisher in 1:00:13 in the women’s age 31-39 division.  

After five straight years of near-perfect spring conditions, Silver Mountain Marketing Manager and race organizer Gus Colburn said 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 8-mile downhill mountain bike run, really finds its energy when the racers ditch their bikes and go straight into the final stretch — a 4-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 fundraiser for the Kellogg Rotary, which donates proceeds to race volunteers. Over the years, it has donated close to a quarter of a million dollars to community organizations.

Colburn thanked Dave Smith GMC for sponsoring the event, which requires more than 100 volunteers each year to pull off.  

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

Results: my.raceresult.com/329327/