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The Leadville Trail 100 Run is a legendary 100-mile out-and-back ultramarathon through the high-altitude terrain of the Colorado Rockies, famously known as the “Race Across the Sky.”
Course Highlights
The Leadville Trail 100 Run course is a brutal out-and-back ultramarathon that will push even the toughest runners to their limits. Starting and finishing in the heart of Leadville at 10,200 feet, the course traverses the rugged and unrelenting terrain of the Colorado Rockies. Key highlights include the steep and punishing climbs of Powerline, the high-altitude challenges of Sugarloaf Pass, and the technical sections along the scenic Colorado Trail. The defining feature of the race is Hope Pass, which reaches a staggering peak elevation of 12,500 feet. Runners must summit this pass twice—once outbound and once inbound—gasping for breath in the thin mountain air while taking in some of the most stunning vistas in the country. With over 15,000 feet of total elevation gain, the course is a true test of physical and mental endurance.
Race Details
Known as the “Race Across the Sky,” the Leadville Trail 100 Run is one of the oldest and most storied endurance running events in the world. The race begins at 04:00 on Harrison Avenue and has a strict 30-hour time limit for completion. Success is marked by the attainment of the coveted belt buckles: the “Big Buckle” for those finishing under 25 hours and the “Small Buckle” for those who cross the line within the 30-hour cutoff. The event is part of the Leadville Race Series and typically takes place in late August. Participants are supported by a network of aid stations, including key points at Mayqueen, Outward Bound, Twin Lakes, and the Winfield turnaround. Due to its extreme nature, the race requires significant preparation, and entries are typically allocated through a lottery system or by qualifying at other Leadville Race Series events.
Why Runners Love It
The Leadville Trail 100 Run is more than just a race; it is a pilgrimage for the ultrarunning community. Founded in 1983 by local miner Ken Chlouber to revitalize the town of Leadville after the closure of the Climax Mine, the event is steeped in history and local pride. Runners are drawn to the race by the mantra of “Grit, Guts and Determination” and the legendary red carpet finish that awaits every finisher. The community support in Leadville is unparalleled, with residents and volunteers creating an atmosphere of encouragement that helps athletes through their darkest miles. The race’s legacy of charitable impact through the Leadville Trail 100 Legacy Foundation further enhances its prestige, making it a bucket-list event for athletes who seek to etch their names among the “Leadville Legendary.”
At a Glance
- Location: Leadville, CO — United States
- Next Date: 2026-08-22
- Distances: 100 miles
- Start Time: 04:00
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/run/leadvilletrail100run/
The Leadville Trail 100 Run is a legendary 100-mile out-and-back ultramarathon through the high-altitude terrain of the Colorado Rockies, famously known as the “Race Across the Sky.”
Course Highlights
The Leadville Trail 100 Run course is a brutal out-and-back ultramarathon that will push even the toughest runners to their limits. Starting and finishing in the heart of Leadville at 10,200 feet, the course traverses the rugged and unrelenting terrain of the Colorado Rockies. Key highlights include the steep and punishing climbs of Powerline, the high-altitude challenges of Sugarloaf Pass, and the technical sections along the scenic Colorado Trail. The defining feature of the race is Hope Pass, which reaches a staggering peak elevation of 12,500 feet. Runners must summit this pass twice—once outbound and once inbound—gasping for breath in the thin mountain air while taking in some of the most stunning vistas in the country. With over 15,000 feet of total elevation gain, the course is a true test of physical and mental endurance.
Race Details
Known as the “Race Across the Sky,” the Leadville Trail 100 Run is one of the oldest and most storied endurance running events in the world. The race begins at 04:00 on Harrison Avenue and has a strict 30-hour time limit for completion. Success is marked by the attainment of the coveted belt buckles: the “Big Buckle” for those finishing under 25 hours and the “Small Buckle” for those who cross the line within the 30-hour cutoff. The event is part of the Leadville Race Series and typically takes place in late August. Participants are supported by a network of aid stations, including key points at Mayqueen, Outward Bound, Twin Lakes, and the Winfield turnaround. Due to its extreme nature, the race requires significant preparation, and entries are typically allocated through a lottery system or by qualifying at other Leadville Race Series events.
Why Runners Love It
The Leadville Trail 100 Run is more than just a race; it is a pilgrimage for the ultrarunning community. Founded in 1983 by local miner Ken Chlouber to revitalize the town of Leadville after the closure of the Climax Mine, the event is steeped in history and local pride. Runners are drawn to the race by the mantra of “Grit, Guts and Determination” and the legendary red carpet finish that awaits every finisher. The community support in Leadville is unparalleled, with residents and volunteers creating an atmosphere of encouragement that helps athletes through their darkest miles. The race’s legacy of charitable impact through the Leadville Trail 100 Legacy Foundation further enhances its prestige, making it a bucket-list event for athletes who seek to etch their names among the “Leadville Legendary.”
At a Glance
- Location: Leadville, CO — United States
- Next Date: 2026-08-22
- Distances: 100 miles
- Start Time: 04:00
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/run/leadvilletrail100run/