Days
Hours
Min
Sec
The Leadville Trail 100 Run is a legendary 100-mile ultramarathon through the Rocky Mountains, known for its extreme elevation and “Grit, Guts, and Determination” ethos.
Course Highlights
The “Race Across the Sky” follows a brutal out-and-back course through the heart of the Colorado Rockies, featuring over 15,000 feet of elevation gain. Runners start at 10,200 feet in Leadville and face grueling climbs over Sugarloaf Pass and the notorious Powerline section. The true crux of the course is the double ascent of Hope Pass, which peaks at 12,600 feet, challenging participants with thin air and technical terrain. The route includes a mix of forest trails and mountain roads, leading to the turnaround point at the ghost town of Winfield before returning to the iconic finish line on Harrison Avenue.
Why Runners Love It
The Leadville 100 is one of the most prestigious and oldest 100-mile races in the United States, forming a key part of the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning. Its origins as a community-saving effort give it a unique atmosphere where “family” and “legendary” are common themes. Runners compete not just for the finish, but for the coveted silver or gold belt buckles—with the “Big Buckle” awarded for finishing under 25 hours. The prestige of the race attracts world-class athletes, yet it maintains a deeply inclusive spirit, honoring the local mining heritage and the legendary Tarahumara runners who famously dominated the race in the 1990s.
Race Details
- Location: Leadville, United States
- Distances: 100 Miles
- Next Race Date: 2026-08-22
- Start Time: 04:00
Race Weekend Tips
Arrive in Leadville at least a week early to acclimate to the extreme altitude, as the entire course sits above 9,200 feet. The free Race Across the Sky Expo in downtown Leadville is a must-visit for packet pickup and gear. Be prepared for volatile weather; even in August, conditions can shift rapidly from 70-degree sunshine to freezing rain, hail, or snow. Utilize the official shuttle system for crew and spectators, as parking in town and at aid stations like Twin Lakes is extremely limited.
History & Charity
The Leadville Trail 100 was founded in 1983 by Ken Chlouber and Merilee Maupin to revitalize the town’s economy after the closure of the Climax Molybdenum Mine. What began with 45 runners has grown into a world-class event that supports the community through the Leadville Trail 100 Legacy Foundation. This nonprofit provides $2,000 scholarships to every local high school graduate pursuing higher education and funds various community grants to ensure Leadville remains a thriving place to live and work.
Leadville, CO 80461 United States
The Leadville Trail 100 Run is a legendary 100-mile ultramarathon through the Rocky Mountains, known for its extreme elevation and “Grit, Guts, and Determination” ethos.
Course Highlights
The “Race Across the Sky” follows a brutal out-and-back course through the heart of the Colorado Rockies, featuring over 15,000 feet of elevation gain. Runners start at 10,200 feet in Leadville and face grueling climbs over Sugarloaf Pass and the notorious Powerline section. The true crux of the course is the double ascent of Hope Pass, which peaks at 12,600 feet, challenging participants with thin air and technical terrain. The route includes a mix of forest trails and mountain roads, leading to the turnaround point at the ghost town of Winfield before returning to the iconic finish line on Harrison Avenue.
Why Runners Love It
The Leadville 100 is one of the most prestigious and oldest 100-mile races in the United States, forming a key part of the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning. Its origins as a community-saving effort give it a unique atmosphere where “family” and “legendary” are common themes. Runners compete not just for the finish, but for the coveted silver or gold belt buckles—with the “Big Buckle” awarded for finishing under 25 hours. The prestige of the race attracts world-class athletes, yet it maintains a deeply inclusive spirit, honoring the local mining heritage and the legendary Tarahumara runners who famously dominated the race in the 1990s.
Race Details
- Location: Leadville, United States
- Distances: 100 Miles
- Next Race Date: 2026-08-22
- Start Time: 04:00
Race Weekend Tips
Arrive in Leadville at least a week early to acclimate to the extreme altitude, as the entire course sits above 9,200 feet. The free Race Across the Sky Expo in downtown Leadville is a must-visit for packet pickup and gear. Be prepared for volatile weather; even in August, conditions can shift rapidly from 70-degree sunshine to freezing rain, hail, or snow. Utilize the official shuttle system for crew and spectators, as parking in town and at aid stations like Twin Lakes is extremely limited.
History & Charity
The Leadville Trail 100 was founded in 1983 by Ken Chlouber and Merilee Maupin to revitalize the town’s economy after the closure of the Climax Molybdenum Mine. What began with 45 runners has grown into a world-class event that supports the community through the Leadville Trail 100 Legacy Foundation. This nonprofit provides $2,000 scholarships to every local high school graduate pursuing higher education and funds various community grants to ensure Leadville remains a thriving place to live and work.