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Steve Larsen, 1970 - 2009

A memorial fund has been started for the Larsen family. Checks can be made to the Steve Larsen Memorial Fund and sent to the address below or by visitinghttp://www.rememberstevelarsen.com.

Steve Larsen Memorial Fund
Umpqua Bank
390 SW Century Drive
Suite 100
Bend, OR 97702

STEVE LARSEN VIDEO TRIBUTE

Just a few weeks ago Steve Larsen was gathered around the pool at Loews Lake Las Vegas Resort trading stories and sharing laughs with fellow racers and Dave Nicholas, the managing director of XTERRA, after a grueling day of racing at the West Cup.

Larsen finished sixth overall that day, behind only Conrad Stoltz, Josiah Middaugh, Dan Hugo, Mike Vine, and Jasper Blake.  Not bad for a 39-year-old father of five, in fact, it was remarkable.

And perhaps "remarkable" is the best word to describe Steve Larsen, a legend in mountain biking, cycling, XTERRA, road triathlon, and in his personal life where he ran an online triathlon store, a thriving real estate business, a 16-year-long marriage, and five kids ages 2-to-13.

Larsen died of an apparent heart attack on May 19, 2009 while running at Cascade Middle School with a group of 40 others who regularly run together in his hometown of Bend, OR.

It didn't take long for the community to spread the sad news through Facebook and the industry websites, and the outpouring of emotion and acknowledgment of how great a person Steve Larsen was has been immediately apparent (read Jay Prasuhn's tribute here).

Larsen made a lasting impression on the XTERRA world, mentoring dozens of athletes including the sports biggest star, Conrad Stoltz.  He was the top American in XTERRA back in 2003, the year he had the classic see-saw battle with Stoltz and finished second at the USA Championship by just 33 seconds.

In the pro bio form he filled out just a few months ago before the  XTERRA West Cup, after the line "open forum" he wrote this:

“XTERRA was my first experience in the sport of triathlon. Between the awesome challenge of the event and the great people associated with it, I was immediately hooked. I am excited to be back, albeit as an older (hopefully wiser) XTERRA warrior. I am looking forward to enjoying the spirit of the XTERRA events and having the opportunity to go toe to toe with some of the world's best all around athletes.”

Steve Larsen had a lot to do with that "spirit" and XTERRA would like to thank him for his contributions to our sport, and send along our deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Photo of Steve Larsen crossing the Snake River in Keystone, Colorado on his way to winning the 2003 XTERRA Central Championship.