About Lewiston Ultra Events

My name is Kara Leinweber and I am the Owner & Director of Lewiston Ultra Events.

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I am a momma to two little dudes, well one isn’t so little anymore, and wife to an extremely kind husband. The fourth love of my life is running and I am forever grateful for run communities and believe 100% in giving back; I will always offer up time, support & energy because that’s how my momma raised me. I also work in the Oil & Gas sector and support other events including, the Salty Dog Enduro; there is A TON of juggling but I wouldn’t change a single thing and am thankful for every moment & connection.

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I have been trail running, cross training & involved in community since sliced bread, or close to. In 2014, I met Jessica Janzen (Lewiston’s momma) at One Cycle Spin Studio and was attracted to her energy and enthusiasm. She was easily one of my favorite instructors; she was unwavering and I definitely turned up the dial when she prompted me to spin my heart out.

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My in-laws purchased a family home in Sicamous, British Columbia in 2015 & I couldn’t wait to check out the single track & connect with the local trail community. I ran the Larch Hills Traverse and drooled over the endless lake views, moss on moss and world class trail system (PINCH ME!); I immediately reached out to the Shuswap Trail Alliance and started collaborating. Several conversations later, we had a rough course map and a dream I was running for; I was going to create a sanctioned trail race event that would showcase rad trails & an even radder community.   

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In the heart of all of this, I heard of Jessica’s gorgeous baby boy, Lewiston James. One of the communities I am fortunate to call family was coming together to support this precious baby as he was diagnosis with SMA (spinal muscular atrophy). My husband and I attended the first fundraising spin class at One Cycle & cried as we spun our hearts out. When we came out of the class, Ronnie Olstad (Lewiston’s papa) was in the lobby with baby Lewiston in his pram. My husband and Ronnie shook hands & shared conversation. I will find out in the ride home that they grew up in the same community, their parents are connected and Ronnie played on the same baseball teams as my husband’s brother. I remember settling that same evening, captivated by how we are connected and little Lewiston. Without hesitation, I told my husband the race should be called The Lewiston Ultra. I had a route, supportive community and now we had a reason to rise up, run towards your roar, push past your limits and give back to what would soon be The Lewiston Foundation/Love for Lewiston. After several conversations with Jessica & Ronnie Olstad, I was honored to present Lewiston Ultra Events.

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The first annual Shuswap Ultra, a Lewiston Ultra Event, was held on Sept 29, 2018.

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In 2020, Moose Mountain Trail Races, hosted in Kananaskis, Alberta, became part of Lewiston Ultra Events. Moose Mountain Trail Races was introduced to me in 2015; I was blessed to be one of two volunteer Directors for four years & until its final sanctioned event in 2019. It is an incredible honor to be trusted to take the reins on the oldest sanctioned trail race in Alberta.
 

In 2022, Lewiston Ultra Events hosted the inaugural BC Backyard Ultra, in Salmon Arm, British Columbia. The BC Backyard Ultra is 

approved SILVER TICKET event in support of the Canadian Championship and Big's Backyard Ultra World Championship.

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Lewiston Ultra Events gives back to community & also hosts group runs, socials & orientation runs. I am obsessed with connecting community, rising up & giving back. 

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I can’t wait to see y’all at the start line!