Butte’s Leipheimer leads Spartan Race standings

BUTTE — Robert Leipheimer is eager to keep climbing in the Spartan Race world.

The Butte native began his journey in the sport in May of 2019 and took second place in his age group (18-24) in the U.S. National Series last year. He placed third in 2022.

Now competing in the 25-29 age group, Leipheimer is at the top of the standings with one regular season race to go.

In his two USNS races this season, he took third place in the Jacksonville Spartan Sprint (5K) and first place in the Big Bear Spartan Super (10K).

Leipheimer also competed in the Montana Spartan Trifecta weekend – an event not included in the series schedule – in early June alongside friends and family.

“This season has been phenomenal. It’s been probably my best season yet,” Leipheimer said. “It’s the healthiest I’ve ever been, the fittest I’ve ever been. So, I think it’s reflected on paper with my results.”

The final regular season race takes place at Snowbasin Ski Resort in Huntsville, Utah on July 20. From there, Leipheimer plans to compete in the 2024 Seattle Spartan Pan American Championship on Sept. 14.

“It’s pretty cool,” Leipheimer said. “To kind of move up the ladder, it’s proven to me that what I’m doing is correct. To me it shows growth.”