USA Luge staff and volunteers collect a bucket of balls at the finish line of the Mount Van Hoevenberg sliding track near Lake Placid on Saturday, Dec. 20, following the “Running of the Balls,” a USA Luge Fundraiser that took place at the end of the weekend’s World Cup held there. From left, Charlie Jones, Finn and Ona Grimmette, Gordy Sheer, Aidan Kelly and Rory Grimmette. (News photo — Chris Gaige)

LAKE PLACID — It was unlike any other race at Mount Van Hoevenberg’s sliding track as 1,447 “competitors” raced down the ice at the same time. There’s a catch, though.

These weren’t people, or even animate objects. They were lacrosse balls. The stakes may not have been as high as the FIL World Cup that had just wrapped up, but the excitement was palpable as a sweet array of prizes was up for grabs.

The Running of the Balls is the biggest annual fundraiser for USA Luge, with this year marking its 11th iteration. The proceeds directly support its athletes and programs, according to USA Luge Director of Marketing & Sponsorships Gordy Sheer, a three-time Olympian and 1998 Olympic doubles luge silver medalist. This includes recruiting, development, training and supporting the team.

“The Running of the Balls is a unique initiative,” Sheer said. “It was especially fun to feature the event at the conclusion of a very successful World Cup weekend with four medals for our team.”

Mere fractions of a second separated the balls as they flew down the track — with top spot changing hands throughout the run. A video of this year’s Running of the Balls is available at youtu.be/n2A6U89Seb4.

USA Luge Athlete Recruitment & Development Team Manager Aidan Kelly, a 2014 Olympian, stands ready to release the gate at the bobsled start atop the Mount Van Hoevenberg sliding track on Saturday, Dec. 20. Below him are 1,447 balls slated to roll down the ice for “The Running of the Balls” fundraiser for USA Luge, which followed the weekend’s World Cup held here. (News photo — Chris Gaige)

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Results and prizes

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Classic ball competition

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– 1st place: Brian J. — $1,000 andthe USA Luge Cortina spirit sackage (Karbon Team 2026 Cortina Jacket, USA Luge Milan-Cortina Pin, USA Luge autographed poster)

– 2nd place: Bob and Doreen I. — $500 and Traveler’s Choice carry-on and backpack set

– 3rd place: Chris M. — $300 and a pair of Gordini gloves

– 4th place: John A. — $200 and a Karbon 2025-26 National Team lightweight puffy jacket

– 5th place: Michelle V. — $100 and a USANA gift pack

– 6th place: Jennifer W. — Icebug gift certificate for one free pair of winter shoes (studded boots, studded running shoes or winter rubber versions of either) with free shipping anywhere in the U.S.

– 7th place: Ellen S. — 2025-26 Norton National Team podium hat set plus USA Luge umbrella

– 8th place: Susan I. — USA Luge T-shirt, beer glass and Duck Brand tape pack

– 9th place: Mark N. — White Castle swag bag

– 10th place: Leo W. — Team Worldwide-USA Luge T-shirt

– Last place: Don S. — $100 and a USA Luge T-shirt

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Results and prizes

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Special races

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Given the upcoming games, there was also a special race where people could purchase a blue ball. The first one of those to cross the finish line carried a trip to Cortina to watch USA Luge athletes compete in Italy in February. USA Luge and its sponsors will take care of all travel, ground transportation, lodging and everything needed to cheer on the team. This year’s winner was Jordan J.

There was a separate Mojo Ball race to pay homage to 1998 honorary team captain Mojo Nixon, an accomplished musician, who died in 2024. The winner of that race, Jason C., will receive a copy of Nixon’s debut album, which Pravda Records is re-issuing along with Nixon’s entire catalog, and an autographed cymbal signed by Nixon’s band the Toad Liquors.